Worldwide Winter Solstice

Last Modified: 22 Dec 2007
Source: PA News

A global audience was expected to witness the arrival of the Winter Solstice at Ireland's ancient Newgrange passage tomb thanks to a live internet broadcast.

Thousands of people around the world apply every year for permission to witness the first rays of light streaming through the ancient Co Meath monument but only a few are allowed access.

The event was screened online on Friday for the first time to mark the 40th anniversary of the rediscovery of the phenomenon by archaeologists, with viewers given a second chance to witness the event during Saturday's Winter Solstice.

In clear weather conditions the rising sun illuminates the passage and chamber inside. A shaft of sunlight shines through the roof box over the site's entrance and penetrates the passage to light up the chamber.

The dramatic event lasts for 17 minutes.

The monument is believed to date from around 3,200 BC, making it 500 years older than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt and 1,000 years older than Britain's Stonehenge.

The World Heritage site attracts 200,000 visitors per year.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the re-discovery of the winter solstice phenomenon in 1967, an exhibition entitled MJ And Claire O'Kelly, Partners In Prehistory, is taking place at the adjacent Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre until January 20.

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