Capricorn: Dec.22-Jan.29 The Sundial Primer
created by Carl Sabanski
Capricorn: Dec.22-Jan.29

Mr. Sun The Sundial Primer Index "Sunny Day U" Index Mr. Sun

"SUNNY DAY U"


Equatorial Ring Sundial Kit

Equatorial Sundial: a dial in which the dial plate is parallel to the equatorial plane and the polar-pointing gnomon is perpendicular to it.


The equatorial ring sundial is a universal sundial and can be used anywhere in the world. All you have to do is position it correctly and it will tell you the time. 

The equatorial ring sundial is a modified equatorial sundial. The equatorial sundial has a flat upper and lower dial plate where the hour lines are positioned. The time is read from the upper plate for half the year and the lower plate for the other half. The equatorial ring sundial has a narrow band where the hour lines are positioned. The time is read from this band throughout the year.

Figure 1: Equatorial Ring Sundial Kit

Figure 1: Equatorial Ring Sundial Kit  (CAD)

You will have a lot of fun putting this sundial kit together. It is made in three separate parts; the gnomon, the dial plate and the base. Once these parts are ready they are assembled to complete the sundial. We have made up two kits so that you can build an equatorial ring sundial for the Northern or Southern Hemisphere. All you need are scissors, cardboard, glue and tape. If you would like to download a PDF file of the "Equatorial Ring Sundial Kit" just open the door that works for you. 

Equatorial Ring Sundial Kit - Northern Hemisphere Equatorial Ring Sundial Kit - Southern Hemisphere
Northern Hemisphere Southern Hemisphere

When you have completed the sundial all you have to do is set up and it will tell you solar time. The compass directions on the sundial pretty much tell you how it has to placed.

Here's what the sundial will look like once you have finished making it.  This dial is positioned for a latitude of 50° in the Northern Hemisphere.

Equatorial Ring Sundial - Northern Hemisphere - June - 11:30 A.M.

Northern Hemisphere - June - 11:30 A.M.

.Equatorial Ring Sundial - Northern Hemisphere - February - 4:30 P.M.

Northern Hemisphere - February - 4:30 P.M.

Happy Dialling!