In the heart of the English countryside, where the ancient monoliths of Stonehenge stand in silent majesty, a new chapter of discovery is about to unfold.
As the world gears up for a rare celestial event known as the “major lunar standstill,” archaeologists, astronomers, and archaeoastronomers are preparing to delve into the lesser-understood connections between this iconic monument and the moon.
Scheduled for January 2025, the major lunar standstill occurs once every 18.6 years when moonrise and moonset reach their farthest points along the horizon.
This event offers a unique opportunity to explore theories surrounding Stonehenge and its ancient builders. Some experts speculate that those who erected the monument were keenly aware of the major lunar standstill, possibly aligning elements of Stonehenge with the moon’s movements.
Among the features under scrutiny are the “station stones,” remnants of a rectangular formation believed to have played a role in marking the major lunar standstill.
Clive Ruggles, emeritus professor of archaeoastronomy at Leicester University, acknowledges the monument’s undeniable alignment with the sun during solstices but emphasizes the mystery surrounding its lunar connections.
During the monument’s early phase, spanning approximately 3000 to 2500 BC, cremated remains were interred alongside offerings in the vicinity of Stonehenge.
Notably, many of these burials were concentrated in the southeast of the site, aligning with the moon’s southernmost rising position. The significance of this alignment remains a subject of debate among researchers.
Ruggles suggests that ancient peoples likely revered the moon, with particular attention paid to its extreme positions during major lunar standstills.
He envisions a scenario where elders passed down tales of witnessing the moon in sacred orientations, leading subsequent generations to venerate and eventually monumentalize these celestial events.
As excitement builds for the forthcoming major lunar standstill, English Heritage is taking proactive steps to engage the public.
Plans include livestreaming the southernmost moonrise and hosting a series of events such as talks, stargazing sessions, and a new exhibition dedicated to Stonehenge’s celestial mysteries.
Jennifer Wexler, a Stonehenge historian with English Heritage, expresses enthusiasm for exploring the link between the monument and the major lunar standstill.
She emphasizes the opportunity to delve deeper into Stonehenge’s ancient mysteries and its celestial connections, which have long been overshadowed by its solar alignments.
Collaborations with international partners, including the University of Colorado, Boulder, and the US Department of Agriculture’s forest service, promise to broaden the scope of inquiry.
By comparing lunar alignments at Stonehenge with those at Chimney Rock, Colorado—a Chacoan ancient settlement—researchers hope to uncover shared insights into ancient astronomical practices.
Amanda Chadburn, an archaeologist from the University of Oxford, underscores the importance of firsthand observation during the major lunar standstill.
She highlights the challenges of tracking the moon’s extremes and aims to understand the visual effects of these celestial events on Stonehenge’s enigmatic stones.
As the countdown to January 2025 begins, anticipation mounts within the scientific community and among enthusiasts of ancient history.
Stonehenge, a timeless symbol of human ingenuity, stands ready to unveil its lunar secrets once more, offering a glimpse into the enduring bond between humanity and the cosmos.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
