By ALAN PERROTT
A Stonehenge-style observatory is under construction on a Wairarapa hilltop overlooking the Martinborough vineyards.
The Phoenix Astronomical Society is behind the two-year project, which has been boosted by a grant of $56,500 from the Royal Society of New Zealand.
The circle will be the centrepiece of an astronomical park,
Stonehenge Aotearoa, which will also feature an observatory gifted by the United States Navy.
Phoenix president Richard Hall said the society was calculating the placements of the centre stone and 24 circle stones, which will be assembled on a hilltop between Carterton and Martinborough. Groundwork on the hilltop will begin next February, and the stones will be installed in 2004. Once aligned, the circle will signal the arrival and end of the seasons as well as track solar, lunar and star cycles.
"Most people have a fascination with these things, but have no idea how they are used," said Mr Hall.
"They were of vital importance in knowing when to plant or harvest crops as well as being important navigational tools. Stone circles were a cornerstone to the rise of civilisation."
He said the circle would not only illustrate ancient European traditions but also incorporate astronomical observations used by Pacific Islanders and Maori.
For instance, one alignment will focus on the northern star, Vega, used by Maori to tell them when to harvest kumara before frosts struck. Another will point to the tail of the constellation Scorpius, known to Polynesian navigators as the fishhook of Maui.
Voyagers from the equatorial islands sailed towards the fishhook, which seemed to slowly rise from the sea as they headed south.
Once it was completely visible, they knew they would soon see New Zealand.
The stones will be made from pre-caste concrete because proper stones would take many years to sculpt and may then be at risk of earthquake damage.
Mr Hall said the project had also attracted interest from Wiccan groups interested in using the facility for spiritual rituals.
