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Archaeoastronomy is a scientific discipline that applies astronomical observation to archaeological interpretation. Deeply rooted in scientific methods, archaeoastronomy is distinct from pseudo-archaeology, “masquerading as archaeology.” The field, and methods of interpretation, offer opportunities to re-think the archaeological landscape. Using these methods, what can we learn about popular and well-known archaeological sites like Stonehenge with ‘astronomical’ connections?Stonehenge is a Neolithic site with origins possibly as far back as 2600-2400 BCE (calibrated). The site, and nearby burials, have become part of the popular imagination since their discoveries. Interpretations of the site involve everything from historical/folkloric tales of mythological giants to a temple that aligns with the sun’s movement, the latter being the most commonly accepted interpretation.

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