Stonehenge is famously aligned with the sunrise on the summer solstice and sunset on the winter solstice, yet archaeologists suspect that the Neolithic monument may also have been designed to capture the lunistices, otherwise known as lunar standstills. In particular, the major lunar standstill – which is next due to occur in January 2025 – seems to have had an influence over the layout of the iconic ancient landmark.
Taking place once every 18.6 years, a major lunar standstill marks the point at which the Moon reaches its northernmost and southernmost points in the sky. Over the course of every month, the Moon travels from north to south, yet the extent of this range is in constant flux thanks to the angle of the lunar orbit.
At the peak of its cycle, the Moon’s declination swings from 28.72 degrees north to 28.72 degrees south in a single month. Conversely, during the minor lunar standstill, this celestial motion ranges between 18.13 degrees north and south.
Arguments for Stonehenge’s association with these lunar cycles are currently unresolved, although it has been noted that at least one of the site’s four Station Stones – which surround the inner
Given the rarity of the event, researchers are keen to take advantage of the upcoming lunistice and are set to begin a series of investigations into the possible alignment of
Professor Clive Ruggles, who is taking part in the research, explained in a
Despite the fact that the lunistice technically lasts for just one month, we are already very much in standstill season, as the Moon is currently reaching declinations further north and south than the solar extremes. According to
Of course, such theories are currently just speculation, but the researchers hope to find some solid clues regarding the prehistoric
“We’re excited to be working with a brilliant team of archaeoastronomers to explore the fascinating link between Stonehenge and the major lunar standstill,” said Jennifer Wexler, English Heritage historian for Stonehenge. “Rarer even than once in a blue-moon, this opportunity allows us to delve deeper into the monument’s ancient mysteries and its relationship with celestial phenomena.”