New study questions astronomical purpose of ancient Rujm el-Hiri in Golan Heights

livescience.com January 11, 2025, 03:00 PM UTC

A new study suggests that the ancient stone circle Rujm el-Hiri in the Golan Heights was not built as an astronomical observatory. Previous theories proposed that its gaps aligned with celestial events, but recent geomagnetic analysis indicates significant geological movement over time. Researchers used satellite images to analyze Rujm el-Hiri and found it is part of a larger group of prehistoric structures. The study shows that geological processes have altered the landscape, making it unlikely that any current alignments are valid for astronomical observations. Experts note that earlier claims about Rujm el-Hiri's astronomical significance were not definitive. The latest research did not quantify the extent of the landscape's movement, leaving questions about any potential celestial alignments unresolved.


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