Sundials
Frequently Asked Questions  

1. What is a gnomon or style?

The gnomon or style is the part of a sundial that projects the shadow. For a flat sundial, it is the pointed piece. For an armillary or sphere-shaped sundial, it is usually an arrow.

2. How do I set up my sundial so it is most accurate?

Two factors will determine how accurate your sundial will be. First, the sundial’s gnomon must point true North. Second, for the highest level of accuracy, the distance from the top edge of the gnomon to the dial face should correspond with your latitude. For instance, if you live on the 45 th degree of latitude your gnomon should be at a 45-degree angle with the dial face.

3. Where can I find my latitude?

To find your latitude, you may go to http://www.spot-on-sundials.com.

4. What is true North versus North on a Compass?

The Earth is tilted 23.45 degrees. This means that north on a compass will point North from where you are standing. True North is the direction from where you are standing to the North pole.

5. How do I find true North?

To find true North you will need:

A length of String

Three sticks or pencils

A flat spot on the ground near or at

The spot you intend to set up your sundial

A sunny day

At around 9:00 am place a pencil in the ground. Use a second pencil to mark the tip of the shadow. Now draw a circle using the first pencil as a center point and the second pencil as a line for the radius. Check the shadow of pencil over the next few hours. Around 4:00pm the shadow should touch the circle again. Mark the spot with pencil. The three pencils make a triangle. To find true North draw a line dividing the triangle in half. Set your sundial on this line with the tip of the gnomon pointing true North.

6. Where did Sundials originate?

It is not known when Sundials originated. However, we have found sundials in such ancient civilizations as Babylon.

7. Why are the Scientific Sundials so accurate?

For the most accurate reading, the distance from the top edge of the gnomon to the dial face should correspond with your degree of latitude. Our Scientific Sundials take this into account.

8. What are Equatorial dials?

Equatorial dials have the dial plate fixed in the plane of the equator. The gnomon is perpendicular to the dial plate. The hour lines are spaced equally at 15 degree intervals. The armillary sphere is a development of this idea, and consists of a series of rings in the planes of the equator and the meridian, and a rod parallel to the earth's axis and passing through the center of the rings. However, these armillary spheres are not designed to be used as sundial.

 9. What are your sundials made of?

 We offer many sundials made of aluminum, bronze, cast iron, brass. Each material will weather differently. Each of our sundials are designed to be used outdoors and will withstand normal outdoor weather conditions.

 10. How do I pick out a pedestal for my sundial?

 We offer sundial and pedestal sets. However, you may also purchase a sundial and pedestal separately. First it is recommended you pick out a sundial. Next, you will need to match up the manufacturer of the sundial with the pedestal. For instance, if you are looking at a sundial in the Rome industries category, you will need to pick out a pedestal in the Rome Industries pedestal category.

Copyright 2006 www.OutdoorDecor.com