Stonehenge

Show Description:

In this program, students investigate the possibility that the ancient ruins of Stonehenge could have been used by its builders as a gigantic astronomical observatory and calendar. By actively formulating and testing their own hypotheses in the planetarium, the students learn how astronomer Gerald Hawkins went about discovering Stonehenge's probable function. Along the way, they learn a lot about apparent stellar, solar, and lunar motion. Classroom activities include making a Solar Motion Demonstrator and recording sunrise/sunset positions.

Updates:

Materials on this site have be used for

Gatherings at Solar Calendar - Tribute to César Chávez & Dolores Huerta

News/Updates for PASS: Stonehenge

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This program is available in electronic format, with all images and movies included, from the following sources:

For questions regarding content,

e-mail Alan Gould.

Classroom Activities:

• December Solstice holidays of different cultures.

• Winter Solstice holidays—text only (with extra text).

• Solar Motion Demonstrator

  • Classroom Set with instruction ideas/exercises

  • 1-page version, large size

  • Jumbo Solar Motion Demonstrator

  • The original style Solar Motion Demonstrator developed by Joe Snyder at Oberlin College is available through the Astronomical Society of the Pacific store.

• Azimuth and Horizons

• Creating a Horizon Sun Calendar

• Sunrises at Stonehenge

• Many Moonrises

• Where's East and West?

All activities copyright 1993 by the Regents of The University of California