What is   Archaeoastronomy?

This inter-disciplinary branch of science combines Archaeology and Astromy together with a multitude of other areas of science and humanities (e.g. geography or sociology). It has been developed to help us understand how mankind more than 4,000 years ago used the stars above to establish a calander and predict the movement of the Sun and the Moon.

The stone age complex of Stonehenge in southern England is the most famous example of aligning a monument towards the Sun. The axis of symmetry points

towards the direction of the setting Sun during the shortest day in winter. Another well known example of such a Stoneage monument is the stonecircle of Callanish  on the Outer Hebrides. An archaeological dig in Goseck in Sachsen-Anhalt in Germany has revealed the up until now oldest complex of circular ditches with astronomical function. 7000 years ago an enclosure was created by a circular ditch and two palisades that has entrances and unobstructed views designed with astronomical constraints.

We offer a variety of activities and resources focussing on this area and covering many different learning outcomes in KS2 and KS3, that Mrs. T. Sherwood  described as: "... I was delighted with the quality of delivery and the outcomes, ...".

Activites   Landscapes   Work Experience   Peak District