Two climate protesters used orange paint to vandalize Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument in England. This incident occurred around noon yesterday, just one day before many people are expected to visit the site for the summer solstice.
The police arrested a 21-year-old student and a 73-year-old man shortly after the act.
Stonehenge Vandalism Shakes Global Community
Stonehenge, located near Salisbury, is managed by English Heritage, which has kept the site open despite the damage. The organization described the event as "extremely upsetting" and is currently assessing how much the stones have been affected.
The activists are members of the group Just Stop Oil. According to CNN, they demand that the upcoming government agree to a treaty that would stop the use of fossil fuels by 2030.
Their protest at Stonehenge is part of a series of actions targeting important cultural and historic sites. Last month, other members of the group attacked a protective case holding the Magna Carta in the British Museum.
The paint attack has drawn criticism from many, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who called the protesters a "disgrace."
Meanwhile, English Heritage has reminded visitors of the importance of respecting Stonehenge, especially during the solstice celebrations. The site is a major tourist attraction and a sacred place for many people.
This latest incident at Stonehenge follows a trend where climate activists target famous artworks and monuments to gain attention for their cause.
As per the report, previous targets have included the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh's "Sunflowers." As Stonehenge prepares for the influx of visitors for the longest day of the year, the focus remains on both the celebration and the recent act of vandalism.
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Rare Celestial Event to Light Up Stonehenge
This week, Stonehenge will host a rare astronomical event that will be streamed live for viewers worldwide.
On Friday, June 21, at 21:30 BST, spectators can watch a special moonrise event, known as a major lunar standstill or lunistice, from the historic site. This event, which occurs every 18.6 years, coincides with the summer solstice, marking a unique celestial alignment.
Stonehenge was recently in the news when two stones were vandalized with orange paint by climate protesters. Despite this, the monument remains a focal point for both historical and astronomical observation.
This Friday's event will feature the moon rising at one of its southernmost points, aligning dramatically with the Stonehenge structure.
As per Forbes, experts from English Heritage explain that the Station Stones at Stonehenge are positioned to mark the moon's extreme positions during this standstill.
Clive Ruggles, an emeritus professor of archaeoastronomy, emphasizes that while Stonehenge's solar alignments are well-documented, its lunar connections are less understood and still under study.
The live stream event aims to provide a visual spectacle and contribute to ongoing research into Stonehenge's astronomical significance. Viewers will witness the moon appear and set at extreme positions, offering a rare glimpse into the ancient site's connection to both the sun and the moon.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
