Winter is coming, we are at the gates of the solstice, and there is a unique possibility, that of being able to admire the sunrise from some of the most important archaeological sites in the United Kingdom and Ireland, silent witnesses of the incredible relationship between the ancients and nature.
Our ancestors were refined observers of natural cycles, from the tides to the changing seasons to subtle changes in the length of the day. This deep connection to the Earth’s rhythms is still reflected today in time-defying megalithic structures, particularly numerous in the British Isles.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge, with its imposing megaliths arranged in a circle, represents the first astronomical observatory of human history. The arrangement of the stones is not random: they align perfectly with the position of the sun during the solstices, testifying to the incredible precision of the astronomical knowledge of the time.
Newgrange
No less fascinating is Newgrange, Ireland, a structure that predates even the Egyptian pyramids. Built around 3200 BC, this ancient tomb offers a unique spectacle during the winter solstice, when the sun’s rays penetrate the central burial chamber, illuminating it for 17 minutes.
Where to watch live streaming
The live streams will be available on YouTube for free.
For Stonehenge, the date is 07:30 GMT on 21 December, with sunrise scheduled for 08:08 GMT HERE.
Newgrange will broadcast at 08:40 UTC on Saturday 21 December, the live stream will be available on this page.
Observing these phenomena, even through a screen, reminds us how intimately connected our ancestors were with the natural world, in an era in which technology had not yet created that distance from the natural world that characterizes our contemporary society.
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