A Possible Astronomically Aligned Monolith at Gardom's Edge

TL;DR

This paper presents evidence that a Neolithic monolith at Gardom's Edge is intentionally aligned with the Sun's maximum altitude at mid-summer, suggesting it served as a seasonal marker or social gathering site.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the monolith's orientation and erosion signs, proposing an astronomical alignment consistent with Neolithic solar observations.

Findings

The monolith is tilted towards the South with a slope matching the Sun's maximum altitude at mid-summer.

Erosion signs suggest the monolith's original orientation has been preserved.

The alignment likely served as a seasonal solar marker for ancient communities.

Abstract

A unique triangular shaped monolith located within the Peak District National Park at Gardom's Edge could be intentionally astronomically aligned. It is set within a landscape rich in late Neolithic and Bronze Age remains. We show that the stone is most likely in its original orientation owing to its clear signs of erosion and associated to the time period of the late Neolithic. It is tilted towards South and its North side slopes at an angle equal to the maximum altitude of the Sun at mid-summer. This alignment emphasizes the changing declinations of the Sun during the seasons as well as giving an indication of mid-summers day. This functionality is achieved by an impressive display of light and shadow on the North-facing side of the Monolith. Together with other monuments in the close vicinity the monolith would have represented an ideal marker or social arena for seasonal gatherings for the else dispersed small communities.