Stonehenge
An Integrated Lunar-Solar Calendar with Shadow-Casting Stones at the Two Solstices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1558/jsa.26598Keywords:
lunar-solar calendar, orientations, skyscape, Stonehenge, summer solstice, winter solsticeAbstract
This paper argues that the positions of select stones at Stonehenge reveal a lunar calendar which is integrated with a solar calendar, and that this was intentionally included in the design of the monument. In particular, the analysis shows that Stone 11, which is half the size of the others, is pivotal in both the lunar and solar timelines. Further, it is argued that this stone also marked the midwinter sunrise, its shadow making contact with Bluestone 40 similar to the way in which the Heel Stone indicates midsummer sunrise by its shadow falling upon the Altar Stone.
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References
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