What is a sundial clock ?
What is a sundial clock, With different types of sundial illustrated a visual sun clock archive for Horology enthusiasts. Locations &n site specific photos
What is a sun clock -- or commonly known as sundial ?
As a brief summary :
- A sundial is an ancient timekeeping device that measures time using the position of the sun.
- It usually consists of surface called the dial, marked with hour lines.
- TO point out the time a long enough stick or triangle blade like shape arises out of the dial which casts a shadow. This is called a gnomon
- As the sun moves across the sky, the gnomon’s shadow falls on different hour marks, indicating the time.
- The design must be properly aligned with the earth’s axis and set for the local latitude to show accurate time.
- Sundials come in many types, including horizontal, vertical, equatorial, polar, step (staircase), armillary, and analemmatic.
- In the history of timekeeping devices the sundial can be traced as far back as the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, medieval Europeans, and others worldwide.
- Sundials can only measure time on sunny days and do not work at night.
Are there different types of sundials ?
There are many types of different sundials or as they are known in some parts of the world as sun clocks .
- Analemmatic Sundials
- Armillary Sundials
- Azimuth Dials
- Bowstring Equatorial Sundials
- Cylindrical/Pillar Sundials
- Digital (Non-Mechanical) Sundials
- Diptych Sundials
- Equatorial Sundials
- Horizontal Sundials
- Inclining/Adjustable Sundials
- Meridian Line Sundials
- Noon Mark Sundials
- Polar Sundials
- Portable/Pocket Sundials
- Reflecting Sundials
- Ring/Universal Ring Sundials
- Shepherd’s Dials
- Staircase/Step Sundials
- Vertical Sundials
- Wall-Mounted Sundials
- Waterscape/Lakeside Sundials
What is a sundial clock by type
In my horology research field log I visit a lot of sundials currently on public view in the UK and Europe. Here you will find a growing archive of different types of sundials with particular emphasis on their art and design elements, specific typography used in sundial mottos and their site specific locations.
return from what is a sundial clock to illustrated horology glossary terms
New Field Log Entries
This Month
New timekeeping research additions have been made this month in the following field log entries
New Timekeeping Archive
This Month
- CIT Archive