Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, England
© Captain Skyhigh/Getty Image
The mystery of Stonehenge. Summer solstice
Stonehenge, a renowned prehistoric monument estimated to have been built between 3000 and 2000 BCE in the county of Wiltshire, England, has fascinated people for centuries. Its circular arrangement of large standing stones remains a captivating mystery, as the purpose and methods of its construction are still debated. What is known is that it was constructed without metal tools or the use of wheels.
On the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, the sun rises directly over the Heel Stone—the largest of the structure—creating a captivating spectacle for observers. Similarly, during the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, the sunset aligns with the stones, casting an enchanting glow upon the ancient site. Stonehenge's precise alignment with astronomical events suggests its importance in ancient religious and ceremonial practices, making it an iconic symbol of human ingenuity and connection to the cosmos.
Related Images
Bing Today Images
Firefall at Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Full moon rising over Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven on the north-east coast of Scotland
At the top of Mount Fuji in Japan. Happy New Year!
Chital deer in misty grassland at dawn, Kanha National Park, India
Wildflowers in bloom at Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona, USA
Winter at the Isis Temple in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Sandhill cranes taking flight over the Platte River near Kearney, Nebraska, USA
Light from sunrise through a sea cave on the Isle of Skye, Scotland