Stonehenge and Other British Stone Monuments Astronomically Considered

"Stonehenge and Other British Stone Monuments Astronomically Considered" by Sir Norman Lockyer is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work examines the relationship between ancient stone monuments, with a particular focus on Stonehenge, and astronomical principles. The author aims to show how these structures were aligned with celestial events and the sun's movements, arguing for their significance in ancient cultures. The opening of the text introduces Lockyer’s examination of the astronomical uses of Stonehenge and other British stone monuments. He references his previous work on Egyptian temples and stresses the importance of studying the orientation and observational principles related to these ancient structures. Lockyer highlights the museum’s ongoing neglect and destruction as a motivator for his research, presenting his findings as a call for further investigation and preservation of these sites. The beginning of the book sets the groundwork for a detailed exploration of astronomical observations, ancient ceremonies, and the cultural significance of these monuments. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Joseph Norman Lockyer was an English scientist and astronomer. Along with the French scientist Pierre Janssen, he is credited with discovering the gas helium. Lockyer also is remembered for being the founder and first editor of the influential journal Nature.