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A sundial is a device that measures time by the position of the Sun. In common designs such as the horizontal sundial, the sun casts a shadow from its style onto a surface marked with lines indicating the hours of the day. The style is the time-telling edge of the gnomon, often a thin rod or a sharp, straight edge. As the sun moves across the sky, the shadow-edge aligns with different hour-lines. All sundials must be aligned with the axis of the Earth's rotation to tell the correct time. In most designs, the style must point towards true celestial north (not the north magnetic pole or south magnetic pole). That is, the style's horizontal angle must equal the sundial's geographical latitude.
It is common for inexpensive decorative sundials to have incorrect hour angles, and these cannot be adjusted to tell correct.
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RossTo use a sundial, position it so that the gnomon (the part that casts a shadow) points towards true north. Then, observe the shadow that the gnomon casts on the dial to determine the time. The orientation and design of the dial will determine how to read the time accurately.
=Making a sundial is easy! And fun!==Materials:==1.12 Rocks/stones==2. playdough/the ground/dirt==3. a stick or pencil==Instructions:==1. make a spot outside and make sure the sun is shining down==2. place the 12 rocks in the best half circle you can==3. place playdough in center of sundial and put the stick inside the dough==and it should tell you the time caused by the shadow! 3 easy steps! now that you know how to make it, HAVE FUN!=
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Did Ptolemy developed a system to determine true north?
Yes, Ptolemy developed a method to determine true north by using a sundial. By observing the shadow cast by the sundial at different times of the day, one could align the sundial's gnomon (the part that casts the shadow) with true north.
What was Isaac newton interested in when he was a young boy?
he made a water clock and a windmill which could grind wheat and corn
Who carried a portable sundial?
The portable sundial was typically carried by individuals in ancient times who needed a way to tell time while traveling or working outdoors. It was a common tool used by merchants, traders, and explorers to keep track of time during their journeys.
Does a sundial read the same as another sundial miles away?
No, a sundial will not read the same as another sundial miles away. Sundials are calibrated based on the specific geographic location they are designed for, taking into account factors like longitude and latitude. Therefore, the time indicated by a sundial will vary depending on its location.
What does the angle of a sundial have to be in the UK at 51.34 latitude?
The angle of a sundial in the UK at 51.34 latitude should be approximately 51.34 degrees from horizontal, as it is typically set parallel to the Earth's axis. This allows the gnomon (the part that casts the shadow) to align with the North Pole and accurately indicate the time based on the position of the sun in the sky.
