Monday 17 December 2012

Friday 7 December 2012

Early Morning Mist at Stonehenge
Early Morning Mist at Stonehenge

Thursday 22 November 2012

Winter Solstice at Stonehenge 21 December 2012 English Heritage


WINTER SOLSTICE AT STONEHENGE

- Friday 21 December 2012 -
                                                                          
English Heritage will once again allow people access to Stonehenge for the celebration of the Winter Solstice, the first day of the winter season. Sunrise is at 8.09am on Friday 21 December and visitors will be able to access the monument as soon as it is light enough to do so safely. Entrance is free and will be available from roughly 7.30am until 9am, when the site will close - before re-opening as per usual to paying visitors at 9.30am.

The exact time of the Solstice this year, when the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest away from the sun, is at 11.11am on 21 December, however it is generally accepted that the celebration of thisspecial event takes place at dawn and therefore access is permitted at Stonehenge earlier that morning.

Over the last few years, the popularity of Winter Solstice has grown considerably, with many families and young people joining the druid and pagan community in the celebrations. Two years ago, 2,000 people attended Winter Solstice and in 2011 that figure more than doubled to a record 5,000 people.

Peter Carson, Head of Stonehenge, said: “We are delighted to offer people a warm welcome to Stonehenge this Winter Solstice but as facilities are limited, we are not able to accommodate any more people than last year. We don't have the luxury of using nearby fields in winter for parking and encourage people to make use of the special bus service running from Salisbury. We are working very closely with the local authorities and agencies plus the druid and pagan community to ensure that access to Stonehenge will once again be a success.”

Additional notes
Access may not be possible if the ground conditions are considered poor or if it is felt that access might result in severe damage to the monument.
Public have in previous years used byway 12 for parking on the morning of 21st December. Additional car parking for approximately 800 cars will be available on the A344 (which will be closed to through traffic), plus the Stonehenge Visitor Centre Car Park.
A special Wiltshire and Dorset bus service will run from Salisbury Bus Station from 6.30am on 21 December and will drop people directly to the Stonehenge Visitor Car Park.

Thursday 1 November 2012

Winter Sunset at Stonehenge
Winter Sunset at Stonehenge

Friday 26 October 2012

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Stonehenge in the Fog

Stonehenge in the Fog

Saturday 20 October 2012

Stonehenge Images
Stonehenge Sky

Stonehenge Clear Blue Day

Stonehenge Blue Sky and Clouds
Stonehenge Images

Tuesday 9 October 2012



Has the mystery of Stonehenge's purpose finally been solved? 3D laser scanning shows stones were aligned with the sun to light up an ART GALLERY

  • Stonemasons used the best materials where the sun would hit them
  • Laser scan revealed many more prehistoric carvings, including 71 new images of Bronze Age axe heads
Stonehenge was designed to light up carvings as though they were on display in a modern museum, a groundbreaking 3D scan of the iconic stones has found.
The latest 3D laser technology revealed new evidence of the importance of the midwinter sunset to the ancient creators of Stonehenge, along with 71 new images invisible to the naked eye due to weathering of the stone.
It suggests that the stonemasons used the best materials where the rays would hit the stone, ensuring they would glisten in the final light of the setting winter solstice sun, or at dawn on the longest day.
Revealing: The new images suggests that the stonemasons used the best materials where the rays would hit them - shining in the last light of the setting winter solstice sun, or at dawn on the longest day
Revealing: The new images suggests that the stonemasons used the best materials where the rays would hit them - shining in the last light of the setting winter solstice sun, or at dawn on the longest day
The scans revealed 'hidden' images on many of the stones. Here, arrow heads are clearly visible on stone 4 of Stonehenge.
The scans revealed 'hidden' images on many of the stones. Here, arrow heads are clearly visible on stone 4 of Stonehenge.
The laser scan has also revealed many more prehistoric carvings, including 71 new images of Bronze Age axe heads chipped into five of the giant stones, bringing the number of such carvings discovered at Stonehenge to 115.
The previously unknown Early Bronze Age carvings are invisible to the naked eye.
To find them, researchers analysed 850 gigabytes of information.
 
3D scanners were used to record billions of points micro-topographically on the surfaces of the monument’s 83 surviving stones. 
Detailed analysis of that data carried out on behalf of English Heritage found images had been engraved on the stones.
Researchers were able to virtually reconstruct parts of Stonehenge to get a closer look - this is stone 56 of the area.
Researchers were able to virtually reconstruct parts of Stonehenge to get a closer look - this is stone 56 of the area.
Secrets exposed: The latest 3D laser technology has revealed new evidence of the importance of the midwinter sunset to the ancient creators of Stonehenge
Secrets exposed: The latest 3D laser technology has revealed new evidence of the importance of the midwinter sunset to the ancient creators of Stonehenge
The team used complex laser Scanning at Stonehenge to gain new insight into the stones.
The team used complex laser Scanning at Stonehenge to gain new insight into the stones.

HOW IT WAS DONE

3D scanners and digital imaging cameras were used to record billions of points micro-topographically on the surfaces of the monument’s 83 surviving stones. 
Captured at a resolution of 0.5mm, it is the first time a consistent level of high-resolution data has been collected across all the stone surfaces. 
This was usually done by removing the top 1-3 millimetres of weathered (darker coloured) rock, to produce different sized shapes. 
Although now largely invisible to the naked eye, back in the Early Bronze Age the images would have been clearly visible on unweathered stone.
The varying techniques and amounts of work confirms not only that the builders intended to align the monument on the axis of the sun at midsummer and midwinter, but also that the view from the north east was particularly important.
Researchers said it was clear the stones were meant to be approached from the north east up the ancient processional avenue towards the direction of the midwinter sunset.
Study: Commissioned by English Heritage, the detailed laser scan and digital imaging of Stonehenge showed significant differences in how various stones were shaped and worked
Planning: Researchers said it was clear the stones were meant to be approached from the north east up the ancient processional avenue towards the direction of the midwinter sunset
Discovery
Discovery: The researchers said that as other stones in the monument have more natural, less neat outlines, it seems that the creators were making a special effort to allow a dramatic passage of sunlight through the stone circle at midsummer and midwinter
Approaching and viewing the stone circle from this direction meant the winter solstice sunset had particular importance to prehistoric people, and efforts were made to create a dramatic spectacle for those coming from the north east, experts said.
The stones in the outer circle which could be seen on the approach from the north east have been completely 'pick dressed', removing the brown and grey crust of the rock on the surface to reveal the bright, grey-white underneath.
But the outer faces of those on the other side of the outer circle were not worked in the same way.
The stones facing the north east are also the largest and most uniform, and the lintels are very well-worked and finished compared to those elsewhere in Stonehenge.
Stones that flanked the north east/south west axis of the summer and winter solstices were most carefully worked to create straight and narrow rectangular gaps.
Shining through: The researchers said that as some stones in the monument have more natural, less neat outlines,
Shining through: The researchers said that as some stones in the monument have more natural, less neat outlines, it seems that the creators were making a special effort to allow a dramatic passage of sunlight through the stone circle at midsummer and midwinter
Study: Commissioned by English Heritage, the detailed laser scan and digital imaging of Stonehenge showed significant differences in how various stones were shaped and worked
Study: Commissioned by English Heritage, the detailed laser scan and digital imaging of Stonehenge showed significant differences in how various stones were shaped and worked
The researchers said that as other stones in the monument have more natural, less neat outlines, it seems that the creators were making a special effort to allow a dramatic passage of sunlight through the stone circle at midsummer and midwinter.
Professor Clive Ruggles, emeritus professor of achaeo-astronomy at University of Leicester, said: 'This extraordinary new evidence not only confirms the importance of the solstitial alignment at Stonehenge, but also show unequivocally that the formal approach was always intended to be from the north east, up the avenue towards the direction of midwinter sunset.
'We see how the utmost care and attention was devoted to ensuring the pristine appearance of Stonehenge for those completing their final approach to the monument at the two times of the year when sunlight shines along the alignment - when those approaching had the midsummer rising sun behind or midwinter setting sun ahead.'
English Heritage said the new presentation of Stonehenge, which includes a new visitor centre 1.5 miles away out of sight, involved closing the A344 to reunite the stone circle with the avenue from which it was meant to be approached.
Pioneering: Professor Clive Ruggles, emeritus professor of achaeo-astronomy at University of Leicester, said the new evidence 'confirms the importance of the solstitial alignment at Stonehenge'
Pioneering: Professor Clive Ruggles, emeritus professor of achaeo-astronomy at University of Leicester, said the new evidence 'confirms the importance of the solstitial alignment at Stonehenge'

Sunday 23 September 2012

Salisbury getaway - THE BEST WESTERN Red Lion Hotel – National - kgbdeals

Salisbury getaway - THE BEST WESTERN Red Lion Hotel – National - kgbdeals: "£99 for a two-night stay including breakfast at THE BEST WESTERN Red Lion Hotel – explore Salisbury’s many tourist attractions and enjoy a bottle of wine if you dine"

BBC Weather : Amesbury

BBC Weather : Amesbury: "Forecast Summary Including Stonehenge
Today
A wet and windy start for most, with strong winds and heavy rain then persisting throughout the day. Gales are likely around the coasts and over hills. Feeling cold in the rain.

Tonight
Remaining wet and windy overnight with some torrential downpours possible at times, particularly through the early hours. Further gales in exposure."

Saturday 22 September 2012

Sunday 9 September 2012

Friday 7 September 2012

Wednesday 5 September 2012

Stunning close-up images of solar flares erupting from the sun's surface ... all taken from a little back garden in Dover | Mail Online

Stunning close-up images of solar flares erupting from the sun's surface ... all taken from a little back garden in Dover | Mail Online: "These spectacular photos show the surface of the sun in incredible detail - and yet they were taken from an ordinary English country garden.

For as these clouds of solar matter whirl around on the fiery star 93 million miles away, they are under the keen eye of astronomer Paul Andrews, who is simply standing by his back door in St Margaret’s Bay, near Dover, in Kent.

Thanks to a special solar telescope costing thousands of pounds, Mr Andrews can take photographs almost as clear as the world’s best observatories"

Stunning detail: Paul Andrews can capture solar emissions from the comfort of his home in Kent
Stunning detail: Paul Andrews can capture solar emissions from the comfort of his home in Kent
93 million miles away - but just down the lens: Paul's telescope can pick up details of sun spots and solar flares
93 million miles away - but just down the lens: Paul's telescope can pick up details of sun spots and solar flares
Mr Andrews, 58, said: 'I can get an amazing amount of detail now. The bigger the telescope, the finer the detail that can be seen. 
'I think the amount of detail you can actually see on the surface of the sun now is fantastic. I love watching the jets of gas that have been thrown off the surface. It can change from minute to minute.'
He added: 'That is one of the most exciting things about this kind of photography. Only the other day I saw a big flare go up. It only lasted a couple of minutes before burning up and fading away.'
Mr Andrews’ new telescope has a six-inch diameter lens which filters out the sun’s harmful rays.
Its photographs, taken from his back garden, depict strands of hydrogen gas sticking out from the sun's profile.
Filaments of gas shoot out millions of miles from the sun's surface, before falling back down onto the surface of the star
Filaments of gas shoot out millions of miles from the sun's surface, before falling back down onto the surface of the star
Another filament takes off from the sun, as a sun spot - a relatively cooler patch - swims across the surface
Another filament takes off from the sun, as a sun spot - a relatively cooler patch - swims across the surface
In the front-on images, they appear as dark lines or strokes and are known as filaments.
Mr Andrews, a professional photographer, added: 'I try and get out as early as possible in the morning, around 9am.
'As the day goes on the earth’s atmosphere becomes very turbulent and you can actually degrade the image of the sun.
'Photographs taken in the morning tend to be a lot clearer and sharper.'
Paul Andrews in his garden observatory, which - ignoring the clouds - allows him to capture the spectacular images
Paul Andrews in his garden observatory, which - ignoring the clouds - allows him to capture the spectacular images
Mr Andrews, who is married to wife Claire, is the founder and president of his local astronomy society and has been taking images of the sun for around five years.
The father of one added: 'These photos have been taken over the last two months, since I got my new specialised solar telescope.
'It’s just about the biggest commercial telescope you can get, and filters out the harmful white light, heat and ultra violet light that would damage your eye sight.
'Now I can see the hydrogen gas bubbling and will dash out when the sun comes out between the clouds.'
Mr Andrews will take thousands of images and then uses computer software to select the best shots and merge them together.
His recent upgrade from a smaller solar telescope marks the culmination of a hobby that began when he was 11.
Mr Andrews said: 'My interest in astronomy started when I was about 11 and read a book by Patrick Moore.
'That really got me hooked on astronomy and I’ve been keen ever since.
'It’s very much a passion of mine. I’ve got a couple of mini observatories set up in the garden now.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2198117/Stunning-close-images-solar-flares-erupting-suns-surface---taken-little-garden-Dover.html#ixzz25c8YHatG

Thursday 30 August 2012

Stonehenge Images -Blue Sky and Standing Stones
Stonehenge Images -Blue Sky and Standing Stones


Wednesday 29 August 2012

Moon Over Stonehenge

Tuesday 28 August 2012

Bath Stonehenge and The Cotswolds Day Tour


On this tour we will explore the best landscapes the west of England has to offer. The rolling limestone hills of the Cotswolds, the ancient Neolithic sites of Wessex and the Georgian splendour of the city of Bath.


This tour departs every TuesdayThis tour is also available on a daily basis for small groups - contact us for details.
This tour can only only be booked online or by calling             0044 (0)1223 244 555      . We do not accept bookings through hotel concierge desks.lacock
After leaving London behind we take the old coach road to Bath, through Hungerford, Marlborough, along the Kennet valley and through the Savernake Forest. Evidence of this once important route lies all around us, historic coaching inns, chalk hill figures cut into the downland, obscure monuments to long forgotten characters and a subtle change in the landscape as we head into the golden stone villages of the Cotswold and Mendip hills. Our first stop will be in Lacock, a perfectly preserved village, now owned by the National Trust and often used as a backdrop to such films as the Cranford Chronicles, Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter. After a guided walking tour there will be free time to explore and take morning coffee before we continue towards the Avon valley and the city of Bath.
Royal Crescent, BathVisitors have been coming to Bath for centuries, owing to the hot springs that bubble up to the surface at several locations in the city. A constant temperature of 46.5C, the only warm springs in the country, meant that it became the important Roman resort of Aqua Sulis during the time of their occupation nearly 2,000 years ago. The city was beautifully re-invented in the 18th century when it became the fashionable place to see and be seen. Elegant crescents, squares and terraces were built as the rich and famous travelled from London for 'the season' and relieve themselves of gout, rheumatic pain and stiffness of the joints. The fully guided tour of the city includes admission to the Roman Baths museum and a tour of the highlights of Georgian Bath, including the Royal Crescent, Royal Circus and the Assembly Rooms.
StonehengeAfter lunch and free time we meet up again and travel through mysterious Wessex, taking the back roads, through villages of flintstone and thatch and onwards to Salisbury Plain and the enigmatic circle of Stonehenge. Facts and theories abound at this ancient site, where and why, who were the builders, what was it used for? During our guided tour we learn about the different periods of building stretching back 5,000 years, we learn of the people that worship there and of the various ideas of its alignments and purpose. It is here, amongst the stone age landscape of Wiltshire, that we end our tour before returning to London.

Price Includes
  • Fully guided lecture standard tour
  • Entrance to Roman Baths Museum
  • Fully guided tour of the city of Bath, including the Royal Crescent, Royal Circus and the Assembly Rooms
  • Guided walking tour of Lacock
  • Entrance to Stonehenge
  • All travel in comfortable purpose-built minibus from Central London


Why choose this tour?
On this tour you will be travelling with no more than 16 other people - guaranteed! Our purpose-built minibuses have large windows, good air circulation and clear PA systems so that your professional guide can escort  you comfortably through our wonderful country. Our itineraries are carefullly planned (with many years of experience) so that you discover as much as possible, without spending too much time on the road.
As we travel in smaller vehicles, we normally use the most scenic routes, where large coach are prohibited from travelling. Additionally, as our group sizes are smaller we are able to more time out of the vehicle. We also employ a the very best driver/guides.
Friendly and Professional Guides - Small Groups - More Scenic Routes - More Time Sightseeing- No Time Wasted Travelling around London- Great Value for Money

Departure Information

07.20AM Great Russell Street, outside British Museum main entrance (MAP)
07.30AM International Students House Car Park, 229 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN (MAP)
07.40AM Outside Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch (MAP)
07.50AM Outside main entrance to Zara Fashion, 79 Brompton Road, SW3 1DB. This store is next to Harrods. (MAP)
08.00AM Outside Premier Inn, Knaresborough Place, Earls Court (MAP)
This tour normally ends by 6.30pm
If you intend to travel to our central London meeting points by public transport, you can plan your journey in advance on the Transport for London website  - click here
To find great deals on hotels (often close to the above tour departure points) in central Londonclick here

Make the most of your time with us
We prefer to spend your valuable time touring the places you have chosen to visit and we therefore offer a choice of 4 meeting points, which are easiliy accessable by public transport from all parts of London and form our natural route to the west. Many tours spend over an hour driving around the busy congested roads of London.


Stonehenge with Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath and Lacock. Two day Tour

予約ツアー

オックスフォード、コッツウォルズ、バース、レイコック、ストーンヘンジ - 1泊2日

毎週土曜日慣行

ハイライト:

現地ガイド(英語)によるオックスフォード市内観光、コッツウォルズの村々である、バーフォード、ストウ-オン-ザ-ウォルド、アッパー スローター、ロウアー スローター、ウィリアム・モリスが「英国で最も美しい村」と表現したバイブリー、現地ガイド(英語)によるバース観光、美しいレイコックの村、ストーンヘンジ(入場料込み-日本語オーディオガイドあり)
少人数のフレンドリーなドライバー兼ガイド付きツアー(英語ガイド) -最大16名
 Tour bus Maximum group size is 16


1日目 -
それぞれの集合場所より、まずは大学の街オックスフォードへ。現地ツアーガイド(英語)による市内徒歩観光の後、英国でも最も美しい場所の1つであるコッツウォルズの村々へ向かいます。


コッツウォルズはなだらかな丘の間に、それぞれに趣のある村々が点在しています。このツアーでは、丘の上にあるマーケットタウンであるバーフォード 、ストウ-オン-ザ-ウォルドでは英国の伝統的なパブやマーケットもお楽しみいただけます。この散策に続き、午後1番で大型バスでは通れない、緑の壁の続く細い小道を抜けて、浅瀬の川の中を通る道の残る、静かな村であるアッパー スローター、ロウアー スローターへ。そして、1日目の最後はウィリアム・モリスにより「英国で最も美しい村」と賞賛されたバイブリーです。美しく手入れの行き届いたガーデンと、コッツウォルズ特有の色彩の、かわいらしい家並みが特徴です。
  Oxford guided walking tour
 Lower Slaughter Bibury


2日目- まずはもっとも人気のある観光地の一つである美しい谷間の町バースにて、現地ガイド(英語)による市内徒歩観光の後、古代ローマの浴場遺跡を見学(入場料はツアー料金に含まれています)。隣にある18世紀に作られたパンプルームも一見の価値があります。これらのスパは現在も使用され、多くの人々が訪れています。作家ジェーン・オースティンが住んでいたことでも有名です。
バースを後にして、私たちは13世紀に建てられ、近代開発が入らずに残されている小さい村の1つであるレイコックを訪れます。ハリーポッターなどの映画のシーンでも使われたレイコック アビー(入場料別)は広大な敷地の奥深くにあり、一見の価値があります。
最後は、今なお謎の多い、世界的に有名なストーンヘンジへ向かいます。BC3,000年に建築が始まったといわれるストーンヘンジは、1,500年の年月をかけて建てられました。オーディオガイド(日本語あり)付き入場料はツアー料金に含まれています。ロンドンもしくはケンブリッジには夕刻到着予定です。 
 Bath guided walking tour Roman Baths
 Lacock Abbey Stonehenge

 このツアーに含まれるもの:
  • 経験豊かなドライバー兼ガイド(英語)
  • オックスフォード現地ガイド付き徒歩ツアー(英語のみ)
  • バーフォード散策
  • ストウ-オン-ザ-ウォルド散策 ・・・マーケットタウンでの昼食代は含まれていません
  • アッパー スローター、ロウアー スローター散策  ・・・美しい小川のが流れる静かな村です。
  • バイブリー散策 英国一美しいといわれる村です。
  • バース - 現地ガイド付き徒歩ツアー(英語のみ)、ローマ浴場遺跡 ・・・オーディオガイド付き(日本語あり)入場料
  • レイコック散策、(レイコックアビー入場料オプション)
  • ストーンヘンジ オーディオガイド(日本語あり)付き入場料
  • オプションーホテル近くのパブでの夕食等、ブリストル散策(ローカルバス等の使用による)
  • シャワー・トイレ・TV付きツインルーム(2名1部屋)
  • 宿泊ホテルでの朝食
  • 各自の選択した出発地点からの往復豪華ミニバス代
  • 支払いに関する100%保障-ここをクリック 
    宿泊場所 
    • ホリデイ・イン系のNorth Bristol Express - ホテルのウェブサイトはここをクリックしてください。 
    • 宿泊費及び朝食代は料金に含まれています。通常2人一部屋になり、ツインルームのシェア、もしくはダブルベッドになります。一人部屋をご希望の方は追加料金£30でアップグレードを承ります。
    • お一人で参加の方も追加料金がかからないようにほかのツアー参加者とシェアすることが可能です。(同姓同士でのシェアです)。予約時に特別にアップグレードご依頼がない場合はこちらでシェアを手配いたします。
    • お部屋の希望等もできる限り対応いたしますので、何かありましたら代表番号            44(0)1223-244-555       もしくは            0845-057-0349      に電話かAsk us a Question(英語)もしくは下記日本語問い合わせにEメールでお問い合わせください。
 Hotel Hotel room 

集合場所
07.00 AM  ケンブリッジ発 ケンブリッジ警察署前、公園側。 - 地図はここをクリック
08.30 AM ロンドン発 インターナショナルスチューデントハウス駐車場 (中にトイレ、カフェ等あり-ISH受付にてツアー参加と伝えて入ってください) 229 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN - 地図はここをクリック
ロンドンから参加される方はインターナショナルスチューデントハウス(ISH)駐車場(建物の前)集合(建物内にトイレ、カフェ等あり)。 ISHはグレートポートランドストリート駅のすぐ向かい側にあります。ウォレンストリート駅、リージェントパーク駅、ベーカーストリート駅より、徒歩も可。
ツアー終了時間はロンドンで6時ごろ。ケンブリッジはその後になります。
ロンドンの交通機関を使って集合場所にお見えの方は下記のウェブサイトで行き方の案内がありますのでご参考ください ロンドンの交通機関案内ウェブサイトは  - ここをクリック

ツアー料金:
お一人様 £159
学生、お子様には割引あり 
1人部屋を希望される場合の追加料金 £30  (通常はこちらでシェアをアレンジします)
このツアーは人気の場所を2日にわたって日帰りツアーよりもゆったりとお過ごしいただけるものです。また、コッツウォルズ、レイコック等はお車がない方には大変不便な場所にあるため、このツアーは大変お得になっております。全行程フレンドリーで経験あるガイド付きで、大きな窓とゆったりとしたスペースの豪華なミニバスによる少人数のツアーが当社の自慢です。ミニバスにより、大型バスでは通れない趣のある小道を通ることが可能だからです。私たちは誠意を持ってファーストクラスのすばらしい体験と思い出をお約束いたします。
このツアーは大変人気がありますので、早めにお申し込みください。特に海外からのお申し込みの方は、飛行機の時刻等に合わせて余裕を持ってお申し込みいただくことをお勧めいたします。

訪問先に関する公式サイトリンク: