The Solar System

CHAPTER 4 | THE ORIGIN OF MODERN ASTRONOMY 51

N

Ditch

Bank

Stone

Aubrey Hole

E

Highway A344

(modern)

Most northerly

moonset

Most southerly

moonrise

Most southerly

moonrise

Winter solstice

sunrise

Most northerly
moonset

Winter solstice

sunset

Winter solstice sunset

Summer solstice sunrise

Summer solstice sunrise

Summer solstice sunrise

Most northerly moonrise

Most southerly moonrise

at winter solstice

Sunrise on the morning

of the summer solstice

■ Figure 4-1

The central horseshoe of upright stones is only the most obvi-

ous part of Stonehenge. The best-known astronomical align-

ment at Stonehenge is the summer solstice sun rising over the

Heelstone. Although a number of astronomical alignments have

been found at Stonehenge, experts debate their signifi cance.

(Photo: Jamie Backman)

■ Figure 4-2

Newgrange was built on a small hill in Ireland about 3200 BC. A long passageway extends
from the entryway back to the center of the mound, and sunlight shines down the pas-
sageway into the central chamber at dawn on the day of the winter solstice. Other passage
graves have similar alignments, but their purpose is unknown.
(Newgrange: Benelux Press/Index Stock Imagery)