The compass sundial - AstroMedia
Astro Media Cardboard cut-out kit for a double sundial based on 18th century models.
Ingenious combination of two sundials
This form of sundial was developed or rediscovered in the 18th century. French watchmakers combined an analemmatic sundial (based on a date scale that shows the different positions of the sun throughout the year) with a conventional horizontal sundial. To do this, the vertical shadow hand, also called a gnomon, is set to the correct date and the clock is turned until both sundials show the same time. In this way, it is also correctly aligned - without the need for a compass. At that time, such sundials were made individually for certain geographical latitudes; further south or north, they became increasingly inaccurate.
For all places between Oslo and Cairo
The AstroMedia compass sundial, on the other hand, can be set to all latitudes between 26° and 65°. The double dial shows the time according to two different methods, which means that both the true local time (solar time) and the normal time can be read and even the cardinal direction can be determined. The compass sundial is self-nordicating and adjustable to all locations between Oslo and Cairo.
You can find a detailed illustrated construction report here.
| Aspiration scale: | Medium |
|---|---|
| Time Line: | 2,0 Hours |
gold and black printed cardboard sheet
for assembly, 3 x DIN A4
with detailed building instructions
Dimensions of the assembled item: approx. 17 x 13.5 x 15 cm (L/W/H)
Die Kompass-Sonnenuhr - Deutsch€7.60
€7.22
€6.84
€6.46