Stonehenge: An Integrated Lunar-Solar Calendar with Shadow-Casting Stones at the Two Solstices

Resource added
How to Cite: Meaden, T. (2023). Stonehenge: An Integrated Lunar-Solar Calendar with Shadow-Casting Stones at the Two Solstices. Journal of Skyscape Archaeology, 9(1), 86-92. https://doi.org/10.1558/jsa.26598

Full description

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.

  • type
    Image
  • created on
  • file format
    jpeg
  • file size
    33 KB
  • container title
    Journal of Skyscape Archaeology
  • creator
    Terence Meaden
  • issn
    (Online): 2055-3498
  • issue
    9.1
  • publisher
    Equinox Publishing Ltd.
  • publisher place
    Sheffield, United Kingdom
  • rights holder
    Equinox Publishing Ltd.
  • doi