Synopsis (from the book cover):

Older than the pyramids and predating Stonehenge by at least a thousand years, the stone complexes of ancient Ireland have been extensively excavated and studied, ye they have refused to give up their mystery. Archaeologists have speculated that the chambers were tombs. Art historians have tried to interpret the enigmatic designs painstakingly carved into the faces of the stones. But the real function of these ancient structures can be understood only when the art and the architecture are seen to be parts of a unified whole.

Through a combination of careful observation, analysis of the astronomical alignment of the sites, and insightful interpretation of the megalithic symbols and carvings, Brennan argues that the mounds and art are interconnected, sophisticated calendar devices. At critical times of the year, the rising or setting sun projects beams of light into the inner chambers of the mounds, illuminating specific images carved on the stones. Those images – seemingly abstract wheels, spirals, and very wavy lines – suggest provocative new insights into their makers’ understanding of celestial cycles and the importance of those cycles in human affairs.

Review:

In the book the author explores the rock carvings and how they are aligned in the landscape and to their celestial orientation. His research and observations reveal that the ancient builders understood the yearly celestial cycles and carved them as markers on the stones. The book also reveals that the chambers themselves were aligned to specific solar and lunar events.

The book is a fascinating read complete with numerous diagrams and photographs to illustrate the research.

When I visited Stonehenge I was tempted and bought this book from the shop.

Synopsis:

More than 30 years ago on the remote plains of southern Alberta, Canada, scientist Gordon Freeman discovered a Sun Temple. His study of the site led him to find incredible similarities to Stonehenge. Canada’s Stonehenge not only predates England’s Stonehenge by about 800 years, but also predates Egypt’s pyramids. Freeman discovers that 5000 years ago Britons and Plains Indians made precise astronomical observations at these two sites halfway around the world from each other at nearly the same latitude.

In his 30-year quest to understand these two sites, Gordon Freeman has measured, photographed and made many recordings of Sun rises and sets through the Stonehenge structure. He discovered a complete solar calendar, the same calendar as the 5200-year-old one in Canada. The observer does not stand within Stonehenge Circle, watching the Sun rise and set through the relatively large gaps between the Stones. He stands outside the Circle, observing the dates on which the first and last flashes of the rising and setting Sun cross lines marked by narrow slits that cross the entire stone structure. Freeman finds the artistry of the calendrical construction astonishing.

Review:

I found the book fascinating. The author reveals unexpected astronomical alignments between the stones and the manmade features in the wider landscape, including alignments with the mysterious cursus which allowed me to view that feature in a new light. As mentioned in the title the author’s journey started at a North American site, familiar to him. His journey took him to Stonehenge and other sites including Newgrange and the Preseli Mountains where the bluestones of Stonehenge originated. His findings at the various sites make interesting reading.

The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs and maps illustrating his findings.

How many days are there between full moons – think you know?  Is there an ancient key to the calendar hidden in the stone circles?  What is the magical secret of the Sun-Moon-Earth system?

If you have ever wondered about eclipses,  tides or the seasons, this amazing little book by acknowledged time-lord Robin Heath will quickly introduce you to the astonishing beauty of the primary cycles around this planet.  Advanced wizarding at its best!

Review:

This book may be tiny but it is perfectly formed, giving a detailed overview of the subject. The pages in the book are crammed full of interesting facts and information, although you may need to don your specs so that you do not miss some of the tiny script that hides in and around the book’s illustrations.

The book left me wanting to do further (more detailed) reading and research on the subject.

March 19th was the day of the “super moon” phenomenon. The moon reached is closest point to earth in nearly two decades:

A “super moon” refers to a new or full moon that occurs when the Moon is 90% or over its closest position to Earth. It is the first time since January 19, 1992, that the Moon has come into such close proximity to the Earth.

Robert Massey, deputy executive secretary of the Royal Astronomical Society, said: “The Moon will be unusually close and a little brighter but the visual effects of it being closer to the Earth is unlikely to be noticed by the human eye.”

Mr Massey added that it would be difficult for those who are not regular star gazers to see a difference in the Moon’s size, with it being just 0.3% bigger than this time last month.

The Moon was 220,625 miles away from London at 18.10 on Saturday, 625 miles closer than it was a month before on February 18. When the Moon is at its furthest distance from the Earth, referred to as an apogee, it can be as far away from Earth as 250,000 miles.

I noticed the moon was shining especially brightly before I had my evening meal but due to buildings being in the way a photo was not possible. I looked forward to a perfect opportunity after my meal, but unfortunately a faint mist had descended…