September 29th 2006 witnessed a rare lunar standstill which occurs every 18.6 years. This arises when the Moon reaches its most extreme elevation; it is created as the Moon orbits the earth on a plane 5 degrees off from the Earth's orbit around the Sun.

The Callanish stones were constructed about 4000 years ago and appear to celebrate the lunar standstill with uncanny accuracy. On the 29th, the Moon rose at 5.10pm at its most southerly position on the horizon and then tracked along its lowest elevation in the skye before setting among the stones in the central circle of Callanish

An even more spectatcular standstill is projected to occur in June 2007 when the Moon will be nearly full.

For further information see website

Visit Callanish Stones with catswhiskerstours

posted by Nigel Cole @ 5:22 AM