Sundials

The sundial is the oldest known devise used to measure time. Sundials are quite popular and many people will have a sundial in their garden. There are many different types of sundials that a person can build.

You can soon find out how to make a sundial. The first thing one has to do when they make a sundial is to determine their latitude. Latitude is the number of degrees north if you live in the northern hemisphere or south if you are located in the southern hemisphere. An individual can find out their latitude by visiting the U.S. Census Bureau website or the International website. Once you have completed the first step you are ready to learn how to make a sundial. Many websites offer a sundial construction template to help you during the building process. Many people find it a rewarding experience to construct their own unique sundial.

A sundial can also be referred to as a polar sundial or a sundial watch. A polar sundial has a dial plate that is constructed parallel to the earth’s axis. (Which you need to know if you are going to learn how to build a sundial) This type of dial is considered to be a directional dial. The history of sundials shows they have been in existence since 5000-3500 BC. During this time period the sun dial was called a gnomon. This was the first device that indicted time of day. The gnomon was a pillar or vertical stick, the size of the shadow it cast was a clear indication of the time of day. Since sun dials have such early roots, historians believe that sundials are the oldest known device used to measure the time of day. The sundial is also the most ancient scientific device that is still in existence. It is so popular that people want to make their own. There are several websites that will offer directions on how to make a sundial. Lots of craft minded people may want to make a sundial.

Many experts on sundial history believe that the Babylonians and Egyptians were the first civilization to construct a sundial – but it is not known just who invented the sundial clock. Their primitive sundials divided the day into two separate parts. A polar sundial is only used with a combination of other sundials but still this is very rare – but the person who invented the sundial knew that this was important if they were to construct a sundial. The history of sundials shows there are different types such as, pole sundials, equatorial or universal dials and digital sundials.