Astronomy Practice Exam

What was the purpose of the stones at Stonehenge?

1. They were a place of worship.

2. They could tell time and the seasons.

3. They were used for burial rituals.

4. They served as a navigation tool.

The correct answer is: They could tell time and the seasons.

The stones at Stonehenge have long been believed to have served multiple purposes, and one of the most compelling theories is that they were used to tell time and track the seasons. This interpretation arises from the alignment of the stones with the movements of the sun and, to some extent, the moon. On the summer solstice, for example, the sun rises directly above the Heel Stone and shines into the center of the circle, marking a significant point in the solar calendar. This ability to track celestial events would have been crucial for agricultural societies in ancient times, as it provided them with a way to determine the changing seasons for planting and harvesting crops. While other interpretations, such as the stones being a place of worship or used for burial rituals, have some merit, the astronomical alignment and potential calendar function of Stonehenge stand out as one of the primary purposes of this ancient monument. The navigation tool hypothesis, while intriguing, does not align with established evidence regarding the primary uses of Stonehenge, which are more closely tied to timekeeping and seasonal observation.