Bighorn Medicine Wheel vs. Stonehenge: Ancient Astronomical Observatories
Throughout history, humans have looked up at the stars and wondered about the mysteries of the cosmos. In an effort to understand the celestial world, ancient civilizations constructed monumental structures that served not only as places of worship but also as sophisticated astronomical observatories. Two such remarkable examples are the Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming, USA, and Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. While separated by vast distances and distinct cultural backgrounds, both sites share a common purpose: to track the movements of the sun, moon, and stars and to align their earthly constructions with the heavens above.
Stonehenge: A Neolithic Masterpiece
Stonehenge, the iconic monument on Salisbury Plain, is arguably one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world. Its construction began around 5,000 years ago, during the Neolithic period, and continued for over 1,500 years. The monument is comprised of massive sarsen stones, some weighing up to 50 tons, and smaller bluestones, arranged in a series of concentric circles and horseshoe-shaped formations.
The exact purpose of Stonehenge remains a subject of debate among archaeologists and historians. However, the prevailing theory is that it served multiple functions, including a ceremonial site, a burial ground, and an astronomical observatory. The alignment of the stones provides compelling evidence of its astronomical significance.
The most prominent alignment at Stonehenge is the solstitial alignment, where the rising sun on the summer solstice aligns with the Heel Stone, a solitary standing stone outside the main circle. This event would have been a significant occasion for ancient people, marking the longest day of the year and the beginning of the growing season. Furthermore, the alignment of other stones with the solstices and equinoxes suggests that Stonehenge was used to track the annual cycle of the sun.
Beyond solar alignments, Stonehenge may have also been used to observe the movements of the moon. Some researchers believe that the Aubrey Holes, a series of 56 pits within the outer circle, were used to track lunar cycles. Moreover, the lunar standstills, when the moon reaches its maximum and minimum declination, could have been marked by the alignment of specific stones.
The construction of Stonehenge was a remarkable feat of engineering, requiring considerable planning, labor, and technical expertise. The stones were transported from distant quarries, and their precise placement demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of geometry and astronomy. The monument’s continued preservation allows us to appreciate the ingenuity and cultural significance of the Neolithic people who built it.
Bighorn Medicine Wheel: A Native American Observatory
Unlike Stonehenge, which was constructed by an unknown culture, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is associated with Native American tribes, particularly the Plains Indians. Situated in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, this circular structure is approximately 80 feet (24 meters) in diameter and consists of a central cairn of rocks surrounded by a circle of stones. Radiating outward from the center are 28 spokes, creating a wheel-like appearance.
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is believed to have been constructed around 700 years ago, though its precise age is difficult to determine. The site’s purpose is believed to be primarily astronomical, but it likely also served religious and ceremonial functions. The wheel’s alignment with celestial events suggests that it was used to predict the seasons, track the movements of the stars, and mark significant dates in the Native American calendar.
The primary astronomical alignment at the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is with the rising and setting of the sun and certain stars. The alignment of specific spokes with the sunrise and sunset on the summer solstice provides evidence that the wheel was used to track the solar year. Furthermore, the alignment of the spokes with the rising and setting of particular stars, such as Sirius, Rigel, and Aldebaran, suggests that the wheel was also used to track the movements of the stars and to correlate them with the seasons.
The 28 spokes of the wheel may also represent the lunar cycle, which is approximately 28 days long. This would have allowed the ancient people to track the phases of the moon and predict lunar events. The wheel’s layout may also reflect the Native American cosmology, with the central cairn representing the center of the universe and the spokes representing the paths of the sun, moon, and stars.
The construction of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel required a deep understanding of astronomy and a careful selection of the site. The location on a high-altitude ridge provided an unobstructed view of the horizon, allowing for accurate observations of the celestial bodies. The wheel’s continued existence provides valuable insights into the knowledge and cultural practices of the Plains Indians.
Similarities and Differences
Despite their geographical and cultural differences, Stonehenge and the Bighorn Medicine Wheel share several similarities. Both sites were constructed with a significant investment of time and resources, demonstrating the importance of astronomical observations to the respective cultures. Both sites also exhibit alignments with celestial events, suggesting that they were used to track the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. Moreover, both structures are believed to have served multiple functions, including ceremonial, religious, and astronomical purposes.
However, there are also significant differences between the two sites. Stonehenge is a much larger and more complex structure than the Bighorn Medicine Wheel, with massive stone blocks arranged in intricate formations. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel, on the other hand, is a simpler structure, constructed primarily of stones and cairns. Stonehenge’s construction is associated with an unknown culture, while the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is associated with the Plains Indians. Stonehenge’s primary function appears to be related to solar alignments, while the Bighorn Medicine Wheel may have also been used to track the movements of the stars and the lunar cycle.
Legacy and Significance
Stonehenge and the Bighorn Medicine Wheel are remarkable examples of ancient astronomical observatories. They demonstrate the ingenuity and cultural significance of the people who built them, providing insights into their understanding of the cosmos and their connection to the natural world. These monuments serve as a reminder of the enduring human fascination with the stars and the importance of astronomical knowledge in shaping cultures throughout history.
Today, both Stonehenge and the Bighorn Medicine Wheel are protected as important historical sites. They continue to attract visitors from around the world, who come to marvel at their beauty, learn about their history, and contemplate the mysteries of the universe. The study of these monuments continues to provide valuable insights into the past, helping us to understand the evolution of human knowledge and the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations.
In conclusion, Stonehenge and the Bighorn Medicine Wheel are testaments to humanity’s quest to understand the cosmos. Though constructed by different cultures, in different locations, and using different techniques, both sites were designed to observe and track the movements of celestial bodies. These remarkable structures stand as symbols of human curiosity, ingenuity, and the enduring human connection to the stars.
