Â鶹APP

Stonehenge Aotearoa. Author Mike Dickison.

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Stonehenge Aotearoa

Stonehenge Aotearoa is a  practical and open-sky observatory. It is built similarly to the famous Stonehenge located in England.

It is inspired by stone circles, henges which are scattered all over the world and it is a modern adaptation of these henges.  The design of the Stonehenge Aotearoa is influenced by its location in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand’s North Island.

Let’s learn the top 10 Amazing Facts about Stonehenge Aotearoa.

1. The Henge was Founded as an Astronomical Park

Stonehenge. Author Haritina.

As part of his initiatives, Astronomer Richard Hall thought of creating an astronomical park and also a learning center for astronomy, geology, and sciences a sky site. He managed to create The Phoenix Astronomy Society and built two observatories that he equipped with telescopes.

Through the ministry of research, science, and technology (MORST) the society used the Science and Technology Promotion Funds. The fund reached the society through the Royal Society of New Zealand, which helped in building the henge. The main purpose of this grant was to attract people into science, especially those who were not interested in it.

The whole project was carried out as a community project for the Phoenix Astronomical Society. The construction was made possible due to thousands of hours volunteered by approximately 150 members of the Phoenix Astronomical Society.

2. It was Opened in February 2005

Stonehenge took over two years to be built. After the construction period, it was officially opened on 12 February 2005 by Nobel Laureate Professor Alan MacDiarmid.

3. Stonehenge has 34 Pillars

The total number of pillars at the henge is 24. It is also 30 meters which are 98 ft in diameter, the Stonehenge is 4 meters which is 13 ft high.

The pillars of Stonehenge are capped with lintels which makes a  complete circle. The pillars also contain 5 meters which is equal to a 16 ft tall obelisk near the center of the henge.

4. The Stonehenge Pillars have an Analemma

The pillars of Stonehenge have an analemma from its obelisk.  The obelisk is along the 10-meter meridian line. The henge has the same diameter as the original Stonehenge sarsen cycle.

5. Stonehenge was Designed to Explain Astronomical Ideas

Stonehenge Aotearoa exterior. Author Jackal.

The Main Purpose of the construction of the modern henge was to illustrate how the ancient people used such designs to understand and explain astronomy and basic astronomical ideas. This construction inspires the visitors to continue learning more about knowledge that was important to their ancestors’ survival and recent scientific developments.

6. It was Designed to Explain the Concept of the Star Compass

Stonehenge Aotearoa was also constructed to explain more about the concept of the star compass. This star compass is similar to the one used by the Polynesian Navigators.

The pillars of Stonehenge are not equidistant which shows the important navigation and also the seasonal stars. Stonehenge Aotearoa is different from its Salisbury cousin in construction, this is because the pillars, lintels, and central obelisk are hollow structure molding rather than hewn stone.

The view of the henge from the center shows a doorway that is formed by pillars and lintels. The more important part of Stonehenge since they frame the rising points of the Sun, the Moon, and bright stars.

7. It Marks where the Sun Rises and Sets at Solstices and Equinox

Stone sculptures around the Equinox Heel Stone. Author I.Haritina.

The north and south poles are tilted towards the sun when the Earth orbits around the Sun. This makes the Sun altitude increase and decreases during the year, therefore, producing seasons such as the Solstices and equinox. The Stonehenge Aotearoa’s six heels illustrate the place where the Sun Rises and sets at solstices and equinoxes.

8. It is a Window into the Past

Stonehenge Aotearoa. Author Mike Dickison.

Stonehenge which is located in the Wairarapa countryside is viewed as a window into the past. Visitors can rediscover the knowledge of their ancestors. Stonehenge consists of the ancient Egyptian, Babylonian & Indus Valley astronomy, Polynesian navigation, & Celtic, and Maori Starlore.

9. Stonehenge is a learning tool

Stone sculptures at Stonehenge Aotearoa. Author I.Haritina.

When learning about the dark sky of Wairarapa, Stonehenge makes a perfect tool to learn. Stonehenge also hopes to be recognized as the largest dark sky reserve in New Zealand. Stonehenge is important because it helps in fighting Light pollution. Light pollution affects the environment, wildlife, and human health which is affected by blue light at night. 

10. Stonehenge was Used as a Cemetery

A report by Archeologists after intensive research has shown that Stonehenge was early used as a cemetery.  Funeral ceremonies were held and performed at Stonehenge but the reason why people were buried here is not quite sure.  

People also believed that Stonehenge had powers to heal and hence used as a place for healing. However, how the stones at Stonehenge were moved to the site remains a mystery to many people and also to archeologists.

Some of the stones at the site originated from wales which makes it even harder to understand how they were transported. Some people have formulated different theories on how they were moved such as, the stones were dragged on sleighs and taken on rafts over water a theory that has not yet been proven.

To date, it serves as one of the best tourist attraction sites in the country for both local tourist and international tourists. Stonehenge also serves as a research center and as an education hub that links the present and the past.