Shadow clocks
Sundials
What is a sundial?
The sundial is one of the three shadow clocks. Like the other shadow clocks, it tells the time by the position of the sun*. The sundial is very ancient design, the sundial is the oldest known time-keeping device w/o looking at the heavenly bodies. Old sundials were long pillars called obelisks and sticks on the ground. When traveling, people could even use trees or themselves to tell the approximate time! Centuries later, more portable sundials are made.
The sundial is one of the three shadow clocks. Like the other shadow clocks, it tells the time by the position of the sun*. The sundial is very ancient design, the sundial is the oldest known time-keeping device w/o looking at the heavenly bodies. Old sundials were long pillars called obelisks and sticks on the ground. When traveling, people could even use trees or themselves to tell the approximate time! Centuries later, more portable sundials are made.
When were sundials invented?
The sundial was probably invented by a person sticking a stick into the soil or gazing at the shadow of a tree. Then, probably someone drew some marks on the ground to mark the hours.
The sundial was probably invented by a person sticking a stick into the soil or gazing at the shadow of a tree. Then, probably someone drew some marks on the ground to mark the hours.
How does a sundial work?
The sun shines on the stick or pillar or whatever, then the stick or pillar cast a shadow on the ground on on the marked metal plate. The people could read it by comparing the shadow to the mark(s).
The sun shines on the stick or pillar or whatever, then the stick or pillar cast a shadow on the ground on on the marked metal plate. The people could read it by comparing the shadow to the mark(s).
Pros
1. Sundials are very portable. 2. Eco-Friendly-you don't need any power source (batteries etc.) to make it work. 3. Isn't affected by moisture, gravitational pull etc. 4. Easy to make, very simple design. |
Cons
1. Sundials doesn't work when there isn't any sunlight like I said in "*". 2. Not as accurate as a modern wristwatch. 3. They are only designed for one place, if you move it, it will show the wrong time. 4. Sundials work only at a particular month (I don't know if it's real but I found it somewhere online). 5. Not extremely portable, you can't wear it on you wrist. |
*Which also means: no sun = doesn't work.