What is a sundial?
A sundial is a device that tells time by the position of the sun. It consists of a flat plate called a dial, with markings that show the hours of the day. The dial is mounted on a frame, called a gnomon, which casts a shadow on the dial. As the sun moves across the sky, the shadow falls on different parts of the dial and indicates what time it is.
Sundials have been used since ancient times. The oldest known sundial dates back to about 3500 BCE and was found in an Egyptian tomb. Sundials were also used in ancient Greece and Rome. In fact, one of the first public clocks in Rome was a sundial that was set up in 284 BCE.
Although sundials are no longer used as primary timekeepers, they are still popular as garden decorations and as novelties. They make interesting conversation pieces and can be fun to build and design. If you want to make your own sundial, all you need is a sunny day and some basic materials.
The history of sundials
The sundial is one of the oldest tools for telling time. The first sundials were probably made in ancient Egypt about 3,500 BC. Sundials have been used all over the world since then.
Sundials tell time by the shadow that the sun casts on a central point or gnomon. The gnomon is usually a vertical rod or post. As the sun moves across the sky, the shadow of the gnomon moves too. The position of the shadow shows how many hours have passed since sunrise or noon.
There are many different types of sundials. Some use a horizontal dial and others use a vertical dial. Some are very simple and others are very complicated.
The most famous sundial is probably the one at Stonehenge in England. It was built about 5,000 years ago and it is still working today!
How do sundials work?
Sundials work by using the sun’s shadow to tell time. The sundial has a gnomon, which is a vertical rod or post, that casts a shadow on the sundial face. The sundial face is marked with hour lines that show the hours of the day. As the sun moves across the sky, the shadow of the gnomon moves across the sundial face and indicates what time it is.
Making your own sundial
If you want to make your own sundial, there are a few things you need to know. First, you’ll need to find a sunny spot where the sun will shine uninterrupted throughout the day. Next, you’ll need to mark the center of your sundial with a pencil or pen.
Now you’re ready to start tracing the outline of your sundial. To do this, you’ll need to find the North Star. Once you’ve found it, align your pencil or pen with it and trace a circle around the center of your sundial. This circle should be about 12 inches in diameter.
Next, you’ll need to divide this circle into 12 equal parts. You can do this by drawing lines from the center of the circle to the edge, making sure that each line is evenly spaced apart.
Now it’s time to add the numbers! Starting at the top of your sundial (the part closest to the North Star), label each section with the numbers 1 through 12. These numbers will tell you what time it is when the sun is in that particular position.
The final step is to add a gnomon, which is basically just a stick that casts a shadow on your sundial. The shadow will move as the day goes on, and by reading which number it’s pointing to, you’ll be able to tell what time it is!
Tips for making a sundial
There are a few things to keep in mind when making a sundial!
First, the sundial must be placed in an open area where it will receive direct sunlight. It should also be placed on a level surface.
Next, you’ll need to find the center of your sundial and mark it. Then, using a compass, draw a circle around the center mark. The radius of this circle should be equal to the length of your sundial’s gnomon (the part that casts the shadow).
Now it’s time to mark the hours! Starting at the top of the sundial (the 12 o’clock position), make a hash mark for each hour. Be sure to space these marks evenly around the circumference of the circle.
Finally, place your gnomon in the center of the sundial and align it so that it points directly at the North Star. And that’s it! Your sundial is now ready to tell time!
Conclusion
Making your own sundial is a fun and easy way to learn about the movement of the sun. With just a few supplies, you can make a sundial that will help you track the time of day. Follow our step-by-step instructions to make your own sundial, and be sure to check out our video tutorial for even more guidance.
