Tracking Time with a sundial

Print off a sundial based on where you live

Visit this website https://www.sundialzone.com/en/sundial.php

The site is simple to use - first select the type of sundial you want, you can choose between two types - wall mounted and window mounted. Next click ‘make a sundial’ button and it will present a page with a google map - enter your address - it will zoom to your location. ‘Click’ on your house and it will present a small square showing the sides of a box a,b,c,d,. Select the side where your window is and it will create a printable sundial.

Click on the PDF option.

It will then generate a printable page that you fold down and paste on your window and watch it work.

Printed page looks like this sample and will be particualr to your location. You need to fold up triangle section up to create gromon to cast the shadow.

Capuchin Sundial

The Capuchin sundial is a portable sundial. It is named after the Capuchin monks, who belonged to a branch of the Order of Franciscans. They wore a hood, that resembled the face of the sundial.

This type of sundial was popular with pilgrims and travelers as the traveled across Europe. Once the sun path ways are transcribed on the item such as a shell it becomes an ancient timepiece.

The bronze coloured sundial shown uses the same principle but uses a small pin to act as the gromon. The hanging string is positioned according to the scale around its slot to match the months of the year so it is accurate to the cycle of the sun.

The shell sundial has two small sighting holes which are lined up to the sun. The small thread with pearl or weight then falls into position and indicates the time.

So once the basic principle is understood the sun dial can be created on any item.

On the next page is the basic layout of the sun dial. This can be printed off and used as a paper sundial but it really is better glued onto a stiff board.

Using the Sundial

Calibrate the sundial by moving the thread to current date. Then align the thread with the tip of the “hood” and move the pearl to the tip (“Twelve noon”).

Hold your sundial vertically and let the sun shine through the slot. Incline the sundial until the sun beam is parallel to the line across the upper part. The thread will now indicate the plumb line, if you take care that it does not touch the dial. The pearl will indicate the time of the day. This example shows the time as a five in the morning in the or a quarter to seven in the evening in the afternoon. Unfortunately, you have to keep track of, if it is a.m. or p.m. yourself.

Cut out a small slot. This slot is pointed at the sun so that it casts a shadow down the red line

The letter grid indicates months of the year

A slot is cut along the center diagonal line. This is the slot through which the thread is passed. A knot or button on the back will prevent the thread falling through the slot

Time of the day curve