Other publications

Umbral method of tracking the limit of the Sun's movement (Newgrange: interpretation as a sentinel)

This article pre-print (see "Umbral method of tracking the limit of the Sun's movement (Newgrange: interpretation as a sentinel)" was prepared to accompany the Neolithic Studies Group conference of the 14th May 2022 and is an expansion of a discussion article originally published for comment in September 2014 & subsequently modified January 2016 and Nov 2017.

This discussion article shows the mathematics and engineering behind a geocentric approach to a design of a chamber intended to forewarn of changes to the Sun’s cycle. Newgrange’s layout, arrangements and symbols are shown to be the same as those required to establish that the Sun has a fixed spiral ‘orbit’. Its inner arrangement is demonstrated to be capable of focusing solar light, using a simple method not relying on glass, to allow accurate measurement. The article starts with a narrative, which seeks to explain the conditions under which such a structure might be built. The Narrative is dependent on the validity of the proposed Chamber Tracking Design, but the design hypothesis does not depend on the Narrative.

References and more detail can be found in Chapter 10 of "A Neolithic Universe". Follow-on detail can be found in Chapter 11.