Thom, A. and Thom, A. S. (1971). (1) The astronomical significance of the large Carnac menhirs Brittany (2) The Carnac alignments. J Hist Astron 2. Vol 2, pp. 147-160.
| Title: | (1) The astronomical significance of the large Carnac menhirs Brittany (2) The Carnac alignments |
|---|---|
| Issue: | J Hist Astron 2 |
| Series: | Journal for the History of Astronomy |
| Volume: | 2 |
| Page Start/End: | 147 - 160 |
| Biblio Note | Please note that this is a bibliographic record only, as originally entered into the BIAB database. The ADS have no files for download, and unfortunately cannot advise further on where to access hard copy or digital versions. |
| Publication Type: | Journal |
| Abstract: | Accurate survey of the standing stones was followed by statistical analysis designed to allow for lost or re-erected stones and recover the original layout. The first paper concludes that Er Grah (Le Grand Menhir Brisé, once at least 67ft high) could have been used in conjunction with large standing stones around the Bay of Quiberon to provide solar and lunar backsights and foresights. This explanation accounts for its position as well as its size. Further, the converging stone-rows at Petit-Ménec and St Pierre may have been extrapolating sectors to assist the Er Grah observations. The second paper gives details of the geometry of the Carnac alignments. At Le Ménec, the alignments terminate at east and west in egg-shaped rings of British Types II and I respectively. Both in these and in the connecting stone rows a significant unit was found equal to 2½ megalithic yards (6.8ft). Further measurement and calculation gave a final figure for the Breton megalithic yard of 2.721 + 0.001ft, almost identical to that for the British my (2.720 + 0.003ft). Moreover the Breton settings show a similar geometry and a similar concern for whole numbers to the British examples. Such accuracy must imply the use of a standard measuring rod of 6.802 + 0.002ft. The purpose of the stone settings remains unknown, but they were perhaps intended to solve problems appearing after prolonged observations. The study continues. See also The Listener, 31 December 1970, 900-901, for a preliminary account; and see abstracts 72/1615-6. |
| Year of Publication: | 1971 |
| Source: |
BIAB
(British Archaeological Abstracts (BAA))
|
| Created Date: | 05 Dec 2008 |
