On Thursday night of this week, a lunar standstill will occur as seen from the Callanish Stones. When viewed from the northern end of the Stones, the moon will appear to rise from behind the Sleeping Beauty range of hills (located in Eishken, south of Airidh a'Bhruaich), pass behind one other hill and set in the southwest. It is a rare phenomenon, only properly seen every 18.6 years. Victor Reijs, who used to operate a webcam at Callanish (blown over in last winter's gales) has an extensive webpage.
A call was made by local archeologist Ian McHardy for people to gather at Callanish at sunset on Thursday evening (10.30pm) to observe the lunar standstill. If the Eishken windfarm is built, the next standstill (in 2026) will be spoiled by the turbines. To quote Mr McHardy: you'd be looking at a windfarm, not a Sleeping Beauty. And for the first time in 5,000 years, the purpose of the Callanish Stones will be spoiled. So, pass word round, and try to be there this Thursday.
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