Stonehenge and Astronomy - A Brief Facts For Beginners
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Stonehenge, the English circle of stones, is well known to people as many things – an altar, an astronomy tool and in some stories even a gateway to other times and worlds. But although famous, Stonehenge isn’t unique. The world is full of other similar circles, some with one astronomy henge stone, others with many. The term henge is derived from the Old English word, henge, that became part of the Stonehenge name. Henge means hang, not circle or stone as some people believe. It refers to the Stonehenge site specifically as horizontal stones were hung around the circle by placing them on top of vertical stone pillars. Over time the hanging part of the concept was lost, so any such stone circle was referred to as a henge. But a henge only refers to stones set within an earthen circle. Without the earthen circle, either raised or dropped to be lower than the surrounding ground, it isn’t a henge, but rather a stone circle.
All of these stone henges have some astronomical purpose, even though they’re considered burial grounds or sites for sacrifices. Even today scientists marvel at the precision contained within these structures. Astronomy aspects often have to do with seasonal shifts in the sun or moon, or phases of the sun during certain important times – spring harvest for example. This might include the sun being viewable through a tiny window at sunrise from a point at the center of a circle. Stonehenge has an amazing array of astronomical measures built into the circle. It really doesn’t matter if they were the purpose for the site or added later. They still represent a great skill and knowledge.
A lesser known but no less spectacular henge is the Avebury Henge located in Wiltshire. Many small stone circles surround it, and the town of Avebury is inside it. Because so many of the now downed stones were in precise locations, it’s well known the henge was used for astronomy. In addition the stones came in two types, tall female and squat male, possibly having to do with gender and ancestor worship. A number of people disagree, claiming the stones were simply selected for their general look, with nothing to do with men or women or ancestors.
It may be a compelling idea to grab an authentic astronomy henge stone to set up in your living room. Aside from the fact that many of these weigh many tons, they completely lose their significance when removed from the earthen circle. Make a replica instead.
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