Stonehenge becoming a pop-up planetarium for Half Term

English Heritage is exploring the monument's relationship with the Moon

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 26th Oct 2024

A pop-up planetarium is being set up at Stonehenge for the next week or so, as English Heritage looks at the monument's link with the Moon.

Some celestial activities are being held at the stone circle to coincide with the schools' half term break from today (Saturday 26th October) through until Sunday 3rd November.

We can also find out more on the current Major Lunar Standstill in a special display at the visitor centre.

That's an astronomical event that occurs every 18.6 years, when moonrise and moonset are furthest apart.

It's thought the alignments of Stonehenge with the movements of the Moon may have influenced the design and use of the monument.

English Heritage spokesperson Julia Richardson said:

“Families will be over the moon with excitement at our Stonehenge Planetarium! This October half term, join us for a fantastic journey of celestial discovery as we reveal the secrets of the night sky and its connections to this incredible monument. It’s going to be a thrilling and educational adventure for all ages.”

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