Please join us for a hybrid in-person and virtual presentation by Dr. Susan Prezzano entitled “The Summer Solstice and Stonehenge in the Present and the Past.” The megalith Stonehenge located in England has strong associations with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Research by astronomers and archaeologists reveals the ritualistic importance of this megalith to early farmers, as well as its relation to the summer solstice and other astronomical events. This presentation outlines new interpretations of Stonehenge and other megalithic sites in Europe, and their association with the heavens. We will also discuss astronomical highlights during the early summer. Weather permitting, the talk will be followed by public stargazing through the ORAS telescopes.

Public Night schedule:
7:30 pm: The site opens to visitors
7:50 pm: Zoom session opens. Opportunity for Tech-check to make sure your Zoom connection is working. (Line will be e-mailed to you after you register.)
8-9 pm: Education program, “The Summer Solstice and Stonehenge in the Present and the Past”
9-11 pm: Public stargazing (weather permitting)

If you’re unable to attend in person, please register for a Zoom link before midnight on Thursday, June 13 at https://forms.gle/L4AUmzVqhMzzd3vm6. A link will be sent to you via e-mail on the day of the event,

About the presenter: Dr. Susan Prezzano is a member of ORAS and a retired professor of anthropology at PennWest-Clarion University. She specializes in archaeology east of the Mississippi, and has worked on projects in Italy, Antigua, California, and all over the southeast and northeast of North America.