Tonga's Ha'amonga
p. 72 · Read in the full issue
More Support For
King's Theory On
Further sightings at Tonga's ancient trilithon, the Ha'amonga, on Dec ember 23 (longest day) have provided additional support for the theory of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV that the trilithon was originally erected to determine the seasons in Tonga in ancient times (RIM, Sept., p. 56 and Oct., p. 34).
The first sighting was made on June 21 last year (shortest day).
Another was made on September 23 (the equinox).
As was the case at the first two sightings, the king was present in person at dawn on December 23 to see the sun rise from the sea at a point indicated by a V-notch on the crosspiece of the trilithon.
He said afterwards that, to gain further support for his theory, ad ditional sightings were planned at full moon during the coming months.
The sightings would check the pos sibility of the significance of moon rise as an integral part of the original purpose of the Ha'amonga.