Throughout history, Stonehenge has captivated the world with its enigmatic solar alignments. However, new research suggests that this ancient monument may also have a profound connection to the moon. A rare celestial phenomenon known as a major lunar standstill is currently underway, offering scientists a unique opportunity to explore this potential lunar alignment. Every 18.6 years, the moon reaches its most extreme northerly and southerly positions along the horizon during a major lunar standstill. This year, the cycle began and will continue through 2025. Archaeologists are particularly interested in Stonehenge’s southeastern sector, where cremations have been discovered near pits that may have once held timber posts. The alignment of these features with the moon’s southerly rise during the major lunar standstill is intriguing. Additionally, the four Station Stones, erected during the monument’s later stages of construction, may align with the moon’s extreme rising points. Experts speculate that ancient people may have viewed the major lunar standstill as a sacred time, given their deep understanding of celestial cycles. They may have shared knowledge about this unique lunar event with future generations, reinforcing Stonehenge’s significance as a place of ancestral connection. Researchers from various universities and organizations are collaborating to study Stonehenge during the major lunar standstill. Through observations, photography, and public events, they aim to document the visual effects of the extreme moonrises and sets on the monument and to gain insights into its potential lunar alignments.
Stonehenge’s Lunar Connection: A Major Lunar Standstill Unveils Ancient Alignments
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