UK: Is Stonehenge aligned with Moon? Rare cosmic event may reveal mysterious link

The widely popular prehistoric megalithic structure of Stonehenge in the UK has been known for its connection to the movements of the Sun. It is evident by the fact that thousands of people from across the world flock to the monument in the early hours of summer solstice to witness the sunrise. But is it related to the moon as well? Did the residents of the area notice the movement of the moon? Is there a fixed alignment between the moon and Stonehenge?

It happens once in 18.6 years

Following these questions and many more mysteries, English Heritage and experts from other organizations announced their intention to study the connection between the ancient monument and a major lunar standstill, which happens every 18.6 years. It refers to the point when moonrise and moonset are furthest apart along the horizon, it will next take place in 2024-25.

English Heritage

The BBC has reported that there is a theory that these lunar movements might have been noticed in the early phase of Stonehenge and gone on to influence its later design. English Heritage is working with experts from the universities of Oxford, Leicester, and Bournemouth, as well as the Royal Astronomical Society.

"Stonehenge might have aligned to Moon"

Dr. Fabio Silva from Bournemouth University told the international news agency that the experts could be talking about a generational event that people might have come to Wiltshire for. He said further that the moon is rising further to the north than it has done and a fortnight later, it rises further to the south. Stonehenge might have aligned with the Moon when it was doing this.

Prof Clive Ruggles from the University of Leicester said that Stonehenge's architectural connection to the Sun is well known, but its link with the Moon is less well understood.

He added that the four Station Stones align with the Moon's extreme positions. He said that researchers had debated for years whether this was deliberate.

FAQs

What is Stonehenge?
Stonehenge is a stone structure on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, consisting of an outer ring of vertical sarsen standing stones, each around 13 feet high, and seven feet wide. Each structure weighs around 25 tons are is topped by connecting horizontal lintel stones.

Is Stonehenge related to the movement of the moon?
There is a theory that the lunar movements might have been noticed in the early phase of Stonehenge and it influenced its design.