PORTLAND – Inspired by the total lunar eclipse that occurred on Dec. 20, the Southworth Planetarium at the University of Southern Maine presented a special program, “Mid Winter’s Eve at Stonehenge.”

USM physics professor Patrick Peoples usually presents this lecture about Stonehenge and other ancient neolithic structures on the midsummer’s eve.

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Patrick Peoples, right, shows a slide of neolithic stones at the University of Maine’s Southworth Planetarium on Monday night. Peoples’ subject was “Mid Winter’s Eve at Stonehenge,” but his lecture ranged beyond the famed English monument to include other sites in the British Isles and France.
Patrick Peoples, right, shows a slide of neolithic stones at the University of Maine’s Southworth Planetarium on Monday night. Peoples’ subject was “Mid Winter’s Eve at Stonehenge,” but his lecture ranged beyond the famed English monument to include other sites in the British Isles and France. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer
Spectators lean back to view slides as Patrick Peoples talks about Stonehenge and other neolithic sites such as Carnac, in France, and Scotland’s Callandish.
Spectators lean back to view slides as Patrick Peoples talks about Stonehenge and other neolithic sites such as Carnac, in France, and Scotland’s Callandish. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer
The evening included slides showing different phases of a lunar eclipse. The planetarium had hoped to host a viewing of that night’s full lunar eclipse from about 12:45 a.m. to 4 a.m., but it was nixed because of expected cloud cover.
The evening included slides showing different phases of a lunar eclipse. The planetarium had hoped to host a viewing of that night’s full lunar eclipse from about 12:45 a.m. to 4 a.m., but it was nixed because of expected cloud cover. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer
Patrick Peoples grew up near Stonehenge, shown in the slide on the planetarium dome.
Patrick Peoples grew up near Stonehenge, shown in the slide on the planetarium dome. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer
A slide shows ancient art carved into large stones.
A slide shows ancient art carved into large stones. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

The ancient rock structures in England are among the most famous in the world. Built more than 4,500 years ago, Stonehenge still keeps its mysteries, including who built it and for what purpose.

On New Year’s Eve, the planetarium will be open for various other shows from 7 p.m. to midnight. The shows are:

• 7 p.m. Extreme Planets

• 8 p.m. Eight Planets and Counting

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• 9 p.m. Black Holes

• 10 p.m. Two Pieces of Glass

• 10:30 p.m. Winter Sky Tour

• 11 p.m. Images of the Infinite 2011

 

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