Lunar standstill cycles: 18.6-year moon phenomenon observed at ancient sites worldwide. The major lunar standstill occurs every 18.6 years when the moon reaches its lowest rise and set positions During major standstill, the moon rises lower than the winter solstice sun The moon completes in one month what the sun does in a year, making lunar cycles faster and more complex
Every 18.6 years, the moon reaches its most extreme positions in a major lunar standstill. During this cycle, the moon rises lower than the winter solstice sun. The moon accomplishes in one month what the sun does in a year. When perigee coincides with a full moon at equinox, 'king tides' cause significant flooding. The Callanish stones in Scotland were aligned to track these rare lunar extremes, requiring 18+ years of continuous observation to map the cycles.
Key Facts
- The major lunar standstill occurs every 18.6 years when the moon reaches its lowest rise and set positions
- During major standstill, the moon rises lower than the winter solstice sun
- The moon completes in one month what the sun does in a year, making lunar cycles faster and more complex
- Perigee (closest moon) and apogee (furthest moon) occur monthly and affect tides significantly
- When perigee coincides with full moon and equinox sun, 'king tides' occur causing flooding
- Callanish stones in Scotland display the southern major standstill of the moon
- Chimney Rock in Colorado has a Pueblo viewing platform built specifically to observe lunar standstills through a natural rock portal
- Alexander Thom witnessed moon extremes during the minor standstill in the Outer Hebrides
Source: Stuart Mason | Decoding The Long Man of Wilmington and Archaeoastronomy | Megalithomania Interview by MegalithomaniaUK