Topline
Skygazers are in for another rare astronomical event this week called a major lunar standstill, a spectacle archaeologists hope will finally shed light on historic sites like Stonehenge, following other celestial wonders for U.S. observers including flashy displays of Northern Lights and the Great American Eclipse.
The full moon sets behind Stonehenge in Amesbury, England.
Key Facts
Similar to the sun, the moon rises in the east and sets in the west, however, the moon can rise or set at more northerly or southerly positions on the horizon on account of its tilted orbit and the Earth’s tilted axis of rotation.
While this kind of movement is observed with the sun, the range of motion is both smaller than that of the moon and the shift happens more gradually, taking place over a year rather than within a month for the moon.
Major lunar standstills happen when the tilts of the moon and Earth are at their maximum, which makes the moon rise and set at the furthest points on its range on the horizon and affects how long it is in the sky.
The celestial event, also called a lunistice (the lunar equivalent of solstice), happens over a continuous period of time by nature but it is best viewed during full moons, the next of which will appear on Friday.
Archaeologists are particularly excited that this year’s lunar standstill may help provide a deeper understanding of prehistoric monuments like Stonehenge in England, which some experts believe were designed to align the movements of the moon.
English Heritage, the public body that manages the prehistoric site, is celebrating the major lunar standstill and plans to livestream the event on YouTube starting from 4.30 p.m. ET on Friday.
Further Viewing
“There will be no access to Stonehenge” for the major lunar standstill, English Heritage said on its YouTube page that will livestream the phenomena. “This is online only… Please do not travel to the site,” the organization added. In addition to the viewing, English Heritage said it will have experts from the Royal Astronomical Society, as well as universities of Oxford, Leicester and Bournemouth, to “take you on a journey into the ancient mysteries of Stonehenge and its lunar connections.”
News Peg
The event coincides with June’s full moon, often called the Strawberry moon, and comes a day after the summer solstice. The summer solstice, also known as midsummer, marks the longest day of the year and the start of summer. It is well known for attracting visitors to Stonehenge, a monument that has long been known for its alignments with the sun, but less so for its relation to the moon. Pagans, druids and spiritualists in particular are drawn to the site around solstice, many holding the day in high regard and performing rituals at dawn. It is unclear whether special restrictions will be put in place after the site was vandalized by climate activists on Wednesday. The orange powder paint was sprayed on the monument by two protests from the Just Stop Oil group, who were arrested by local police and excoriated by British politicians and archaeologists, who said the paint may have damaged the megaliths, which are covered in prehistoric markings that have yet to be fully studied.
What To Watch For
Other historic monuments, such as Chimney Rock, Colorado, are also thought to be constructed to mark the movements of the moon and sun. English Heritage said it is “thrilled” to be collaborating with the ancient Chacoan settlement “for a series of events exploring lunar alignments,” urging people to “look out for their livestream in September.” September’s full moon is expected on September 17.
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Further Reading
Dr. Thomas Hughes is a UK-based scientist and science communicator who makes complex topics accessible to readers. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
