Question

At what time of the year and time of day could the sun shine directly through the entire structure of Stonehenge? Option 1: Spring equinox at sunset Option 2: Winter solstice at sunset Option 3: Fall equinox at sunrise Option 4: Summer solstice at sunrise Correct Option: Winter solstice at sunset

Answer 1

Stonehenge aligns with the sunset on the winter solstice, allowing the sun to shine directly through its structure. It served as an ancient observatory, marking the longest and shortest days of the year during summer and winter solstices.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stonehenge, located in England, is a prehistoric monument with significant astronomical alignments. It was constructed between 3000 and 1000 B.C., serving as an ancient astronomical observatory. During the summer solstice, on or about June 21, and the winter solstice, around December 21, Stonehenge aligns with the sun, marking the longest and shortest days of the year.

At the time of the winter solstice, the sunset aligns with the central axis of Stonehenge, and it is traditionally observed that the sun can be seen setting directly through the frame of the stones from the center of the monument. This contrasts with the equinox, occurring around March 21 and September 22, when the sun is perpendicular to Earth's axis, resulting in nearly equal day and night.

Therefore, the correct answer is that the sun could shine directly through the entire structure of Stonehenge during the winter solstice at sunset. Although there is a phenomenon on the northern stairs during the equinox, it's the Winter Solstice that uniquely aligns with the sunset through Stonehenge.

Answer 2

The sun shines directly through the center of Stonehenge at sunrise on the summer solstice, around June 21, which is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Stonehenge was an ancient astronomical observatory aligning with significant solar events.

Step-by-step explanation:

The time of the year and time of day, when the sun could shine directly through the entire structure of Stonehenge, is during the summer solstice at sunrise. Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in England, constructed from 3000 to 1000 B.C., and served as an ancient astronomical observatory. This alignment occurs because on the summer solstice, around June 21, the sun rises at its most northeasterly point on the horizon and shines directly through the center of Stonehenge, lighting the central altar stone. This phenomenon is carefully aligned with the Heel Stone and was likely significant for the ancient culture that built Stonehenge.

The winter solstice, in contrast, marks the time when the sun sets at its most southwesterly point, which aligns with Stonehenge, but on the opposite horizon. The significance of these astronomical events is highlighted at many ancient sites around the world, where structures are built to align with the sun during solstices and equinoxes.