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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.

i just get this intruction from Wikipedia programmer "Brandon Harris"

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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?

Depends on how many miles away. The sun orbits the earth every 24 hours. So, say there were two sundials, one in Las Vegas, and the other in Salt Lake City. They both would show different times, because the sun is continuously moving to another longitude. However, two sundials on the same longitude line will show the same time always (if both are set up accurately)


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.

Related Questions

What did George Washington use to tell the time?

He used a portable sundial.


Would your sundial read the same time as another sundial 100 miles directly north of you?

yes, as long as its on the same line of longitude you can use the same sundial


Does a sundial work?

if u know how to use it


How do you find solar time?

You use a Sundial.


How can we use shadow to tell the time?

You can use a sundial, which is a device that uses the position of the sun's shadow to tell time. By placing a stick or pointer on the sundial, the shadow it casts can indicate the time based on markings on the sundial's face.


What are the Dimensions of a Sundial?

The dimensions of a sundial would typically include the size of the dial face, the length of the gnomon (the object that casts the shadow), and the overall height and width of the sundial structure. The dimensions vary depending on the design of the sundial and its intended use.


Does a meteorologist use a sundial?

No...we use clocks like the rest of the world.


What time device was use in the year 1440?

sundial


How do you use sundial in a sentence?

Well, for starters you just used sundial in a sentence. But another sentence could be... Sundials help you tell time.


HOW TO USE sundial?

To use a sundial, place it on a flat surface with the gnomon (the piece that creates the shadow) pointing towards the North Pole. The gnomon will cast a shadow that moves as the sun changes position throughout the day, indicating the time based on where the shadow falls on the sundial's markings. Remember to adjust for daylight saving time and your location's longitude to get an accurate reading.


What is a sentence with the word sundial in it?

I have a sundial in the garden.The sundial were the earliest form of clocks.


Why did the Egyptians use a water clock instead of a sundial?

becuase its cooler