Loughcrew Autumnal Equinox 2002

Morning Equinox Sunrise
Autumn Equinox Sunrise at Slieve na Caillaigh where Loughcrew Cairn T is situated.

Loughcrew Equinox Sunrise
September 2002 Sunrise at Slieve na Caillaigh where Loughcrew Cairn T is situated.

A beam of light illuminates the backstone of Carin T
The rising sun penetrating the passage of Cairn T and illuminating the back stone.

Equinox sunlight in Cairn T - Loughcrew
This image taken inside Cairn T shows the shaped beam of equinox sunlight illuminating the back stone. The symbol on the top left of the illuminated area clearly represents the sun and the symbols with the horizontal markings may be measuring scales.

Tim O'Brien in his book Light Years Ago states "It would appear that the construction of Cairn T was specifically designed to cleverly fashion a beam of light from the rising and early risen sun around the time of the equinoxes to define the four year equinox or leap year cycle."

Light Years Ago by Tim O'Brien Light Years Ago: A Study of the Cairns of Newgrange and Cairn T Loughcrew, Co. Meath, Ireland by Tim O'Brien shows that the symbols of the sun engraved on the backstone of Cairn T at Loughcrew are precisely positioned to measure solar movement. A beam of light from the rising sun around the time of the March and September equinoxes is mapped on the backstone.

Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

 

Loughcrew Video - Spring Equinox 2005

The progress of the sunbeam on the backstone inside Cairn T at Loughcrew was video recorded at sunrise on the morning of March 23rd 2005. The 50 minute video has been compressed to 1 minute 46 seconds and included in the following YouTube Video.

Gossan Stones Equinox Sunrise Alignment

Gossan Equinox Sunrise Alignment
The Equinox Sunrise is framed by the Gossan Stones in the Wicklow Mountains.

Boyne Valley Private Day Tour

Boyne Valley Tours
Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and culture of the Boyne Valley with our full-day private tours. Visit Newgrange World Heritage site, explore the Hill of Slane, where Saint Patrick famously lit the Paschal fire. Discover the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of power for the High Kings of Ireland. Book Now