Astronomically-oriented markings on Stonehenge

Abstract

In view of the years of careful study that have been devoted to Stonehenge it may seem unlikely that any more information could be extracted from the monument, or at least from that part of it above ground. During the past two years, however, further markings have come to light that are, at least, interesting, and possibly important. These markings are a series of at least 11 pits on the upper surfaces of the three contiguous lintels (130, 101 and 102) that span the well-known line of sight from the centre of the sarsen circle north-eastward towards the heel stone. For an observer diametrically across the circle, 9 of these pits identify directions of the rising moon at significant points in its 18.6-yr cycle.