Making a sundial is an engaging project that combines history, science, and craftsmanship. Sundials have been used for thousands of years to tell time by casting shadows with the sun’s position. Here’s a simple guide on how to create your own basic sundial.
Materials Needed:
– A flat, horizontal surface or board
– A straight stick or dowel (gnomon)
– A protractor
– A compass
– A pencil
– A ruler or tape measure
– Permanent markers or paint
Steps to Create a Sundial:
1.Find Your Location’s Latitude: The angle you set your gnomon (the shadow-casting stick) depends on your geographical latitude. Find out the latitude of your location using a GPS device or an online search.
2.Prepare the Base: Choose a flat, horizontal surface where your sundial will sit. This can be a wooden board, a large stone, or even a section of the ground if you’re making a permanent installation.
3.Set the Gnomon: Cut the gnomon at an angle equal to your latitude. For example, if you’re at 45 degrees latitude, cut one end of your stick at a 45-degree angle so it tilts properly when placed perpendicular to the sundial face.
4.Place Your Gnomon: Securely plant your gnomon in the center of the base so that it tilts at an angle pointing towards true north and perpendicular to the base. Use a compass to find true north or look up local magnetic declination to adjust for differences between magnetic and true north.
5.Marking Time: On a sunny day, use the shadow cast by the gnomon to mark each hour on your sundial base. At the top of each hour, make a mark where the tip of the shadow falls—use your protractor to keep these lines straight.
6.Number Your Sundial: After marking multiple hours, use permanent markers or paint to label each hour line accordingly.
7.Decorate (Optional): Add additional decoration around your sundial such as numerals, designs, or inscriptions for an aesthetic touch.
8.Calibration: You might need to adjust your markings slightly since the sun’s path changes slightly day-to-day due to the Earth’s tilt and orbit-path around the sun.
Keep in mind that unless you have adjusted for things like Equation of Time and daylight saving time (if observed in your region), your sundial will not always match digital or atomic clocks exactly but should be relatively close.
Now you have created a functional piece of history! Place it in a sunny spot, and watch as it tracks time using nothing but shadows.
