Newgrange Winter Solstice: A Journey Into Ancient Astronomy

Imagine standing in front of a majestic ancient structure built over 5,000 years ago. The sun slowly rises above the horizon, and its first rays penetrate the dark passage, gradually filling the entire structure with light from the inside. This is not a scene from a science fiction film, but a reality that can be observed in Newgrange during the winter solstice. 

This article will take you deep into the mysteries of this amazing place, shedding light on the significance of the Newgrange Solstice to ancient astronomy.

What Is Newgrange?

Newgrange is an ancient burial mound located in County Meath, Ireland, on a hill overlooking the River Boyne. It is a large burial mound, about 85 metres in diameter and about 13 metres high, with a long 19-metre passage leading to a central chamber divided into three smaller niches. The monument is part of the Brú na Bóinne complex, which also includes two other passage tombs, Knowth and Dowth.

Where Does The Name Come From?

The name of the monument comes from the Old French “grange,” meaning “barn” or “farm.” This word, in turn, comes from the Latin “granica,” meaning “granary”. In the medieval period, these lands were farmland for the monks of Mellifont Abbey, located about 14 kilometres to the north. They called the place New grange.

What Makes Newgrange Special?

The site is unique for several reasons. The age and scale of the structure make it one of the most significant ancient monuments in the world, and it is also the oldest solar observatory. But let’s discuss things in proper order.

How Old Is Newgrange? 

Newgrange was built around 3200 BC, which makes it older than the Giza pyramids and Stonehenge! Over time, the mound began to shrink as the embankment subsided, and soon, it disappeared completely.

After the 12th century, the land became part of the monastery’s holdings and was used for pasture until 1688, when workers looking for rubble to build a road came across an opening in the ground. The workers reported the find to their master, Charles Campbell, who told the antiquarian, naturalist, and philologist Edward Llwyd about it. Llwyd claimed the monument as his discovery and called the site a burial vault, although many later researchers questioned this hypothesis.

Between 1962 and 1975, a team of archaeologists led by Michael J. O’Kelly carried out extensive excavations and restoration work, allowing the restoration of the monument to its present state.

Who Built Newgrange?

The monument was built by ancient people during the late Neolithic period. These builders belonged to a culture known as the Megalithic Tomb culture, which existed in Ireland and other parts of Europe.

The grand structure was built without metal, from granite and quartz blocks weighing several tonnes, which were delivered from a distance of up to 80 km. Most likely, the stone was shipped by sea and up the River Boyne, the bank of which is one kilometre from the construction site. To lift the stone a distance of 1 km up the River Boyne slope, Neolithic people probably used the technique of transporting logs, and for lifting and laying the stones — wooden scaffolds and earthen ramps. This method of construction, as well as unique architectural features such as the “roof-box” — a small hole above the entrance to the mound, and a drainage system that still functions, testify to the high level of organisation and skill of the ancient builders.

How Does Newgrange Relate To Astronomy?

Newgrange is a significant site in the field of archaeoastronomy, which studies how ancient cultures understood and used astronomical phenomena. Here is some evidence of the monument’s astronomical significance.

Newgrange Symbols

The structure is decorated with stones that have complex megalithic designs, including spirals, zigzags, diamonds, circles, and dots, which show that its creators had deep knowledge not only of religion and art but also of astronomy. For example, the spirals and zigzags could reflect the movement of celestial bodies across the sky during the year, the circles could symbolise the solar disk, and the dots could represent stars in the night sky. In his 2012 book, Newgrange: Monument to Immortality, Irish journalist Anthony Murphy argues that the structure served as a huge calendar for ancient farmers, which they used to measure years, leap years, and more.

Newgrange Solstice

The main astronomical feature of the monument is its precise orientation to the winter solstice. The passage and the central room of the tomb are aligned in such a way that at dawn on the day of the winter solstice (December 21-23), the first rays of the sun penetrate through the roof-box and illuminate everything inside. This design allows one to observe the winter solstice with incredible accuracy, which demonstrates the ancient builders’ deep knowledge of the celestial bodies’ movement and their ability to use this knowledge in architecture. It is the precise orientation of Newgrange to the winter solstice that rightfully made this unique place the oldest solar observatory in the world.

Why Were The Ancients Obsessed With Astronomy?

People have been looking at the sky since ancient times until they finally began to notice certain patterns in the movement of celestial bodies and their relationship with natural phenomena. Over time, this knowledge and observations formed into a science called astronomy, which helped satisfy the practical needs of ancient peoples in various areas of life:

• Agricultural planning: Understanding the celestial cycles helped determine the best times for planting and harvesting.
• Religion and culture: Many ancient cultures believed that celestial events were messages from the gods. Observing the stars and planets played an important role in their religious rituals and mythologies.
• Navigation: Stars were essential for navigation, especially for seafarers.
• Keeping track of time: The movement of celestial bodies allowed ancient people to develop calendars and keep track of time.

What was the purpose of the Newgrange structure in Ireland? The monument is a striking example of how ancient people integrated their astronomical knowledge into their constructions. It was not just a tomb, but a place where people could observe and celebrate the winter solstice, marking the rebirth of the sun and the promise of longer days ahead.

What Is The Winter Solstice In Newgrange Nowadays?

Today, the Newgrange winter solstice is one of the most spectacular astronomical events, attracting thousands of researchers and tourists every year.

Between December 19 and 23, people gather at the mound before dawn to take the best viewing spots. Access to the central chamber of the tomb is strictly limited and is carried out by lottery (usually no more than ten people per day), so many stay outside to watch the sunrise. On the days before and after the solstice, the tomb is illuminated artificially, using spotlights, so that tourists can observe the phenomenon all year round.

At approximately 8:58 a.m., the first rays of the sun begin to penetrate the “roof-box.” The beam of light goes through a 19-metre passage and reaches the central room. As the sun rises, the beam of light expands, illuminating the entire room. This spectacle lasts for about 17 minutes and symbolises the victory of light over darkness.

On this day, a festive atmosphere reigns around the monument. People exchange impressions, take tours, and participate in events held on the complex territory.

A Journey Into Ancient Astronomy

If the Newgrange winter solstice piqued your interest, go to Ireland in December to see the phenomenon in person. It won’t take long to find the monument.

How far is Newgrange from Dublin? The complex is located about 30 miles north of the Irish capital. By car, the journey takes about an hour, depending on traffic. The most common route is along the M1 motorway.

We promise that this journey into ancient astronomy will result in unique experiences and unforgettable memories.

 References and Additional Information:

• Newgrange – World Heritage Site https://www.newgrange.com/
• Newgrange Winter Solstice https://boynevalleytours.com/newgrange-winter-solstice/
• Newgrange https://arthistoryleavingcert.com/pre-christian-ireland-2/newgrange/
• The Winter solstice at Newgrange https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collections-Research/Irish-Antiquities-Division-Collections/Irish-Antiquities-Articles/The-Winter-solstice-at-Newgrange
• Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre: Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/bru-na-boinne-visitor-centre-newgrange-knowth-and-dowth/