Stonehenge Quadrangle, Solstice and Lunistice, Sun and Full Moon

Here we discuss the orientation of the megalithic Quadrangle of Stonehenge, created by its four Station Stones. Stimulated by the recent proposal made by Timothy Darvill of a solar calendar embedded in the monumental sarsen stones, we investigate a possible role of the moon. At the same time, we invite the reader to use software to simulate the behavior of the moon, regarding lunistices (lunar standstills) and lunar phases. Thanks to software, we can appreciate how the full moon, rising and setting along the long side of the Quadrangle in the case of major lunistices, is heralding the solstice. The Metonic cycle could also be considered as involved in the solar calendar proposed by Darvill.

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Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2024-11-22
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14174087
Primary Topic
Historical and Architectural Studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Stonehenge Quadrangle, Solstice and Lunistice, Sun and Full Moon

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Historical and Architectural Studies
article

Stonehenge Quadrangle, Solstice and Lunistice, Sun and Full Moon

article en

Abstract

Here we discuss the orientation of the megalithic Quadrangle of Stonehenge, created by its four Station Stones. Stimulated by the recent proposal made by Timothy Darvill of a solar calendar embedded in the monumental sarsen stones, we investigate a possible role of the moon. At the same time, we invite the reader to use software to simulate the behavior of the moon, regarding lunistices (lunar standstills) and lunar phases. Thanks to software, we can appreciate how the full moon, rising and setting along the long side of the Quadrangle in the case of major lunistices, is heralding the solstice. The Metonic cycle could also be considered as involved in the solar calendar proposed by Darvill.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Politecnico di Torino (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 37%
Historical and Architectural Studies
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