Good sunshine for the Spring Equinox illumination of Loughcrew Cairn T, Photo by Clare Tuffy
Smiles all round from the people who made the effort to get up early for the Spring Equinox, Photo by Clare Tuffy
Spring Equinox sunbeam illuminates the chamber of Loughcrew Cairn T.
The equinox illumination of Loughcrew Cairn T is a remarkable phenomenon where sunlight aligns
with the passage and chamber of the ancient megalithic structure during the equinox.
Specifically designed to capture this celestial event, Cairn T at Loughcrew becomes
illuminated as the sun rises, casting light down the passage and into the chamber.
The precision in the construction of Cairn T allows for this captivating play
of light and shadow during the equinox, creating a stunning spectacle that underscores
the ancient builders' astronomical knowledge and architectural expertise.
The event serves as a testament to the alignment of ancient structures
with celestial events, possibly having symbolic or ritualistic significance for the people who constructed and used these monuments.
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 recording is compressed to 1 minute 46 seconds.
Good sunshine for the Spring Equinox illumination of Loughcrew Cairn T, Photo by Clare Tuffy
Smiles all round from the people who made the effort to get up early for the Spring Equinox, Photo by Clare Tuffy
Spring Equinox sunbeam illuminates the chamber of Loughcrew Cairn T.
Equinox sunlight on the backstone in Cairn T