Intriguing Insights into the History and Mechanics of Sundials

Throughout history, sundials have served as ancient timekeeping tools that rely on the sun’s position to indicate the hour. Originating in Egypt around 1500 BCE, early models were simple, but later versions allowed adjustments for different dates, enhancing accuracy. Today, sundials are more decorative than practical but remain popular for outdoor installations. They come mainly in two types: azimuth and altitude sundials, each using specific solar angles. Their accuracy depends on location, season, and design. Primarily, a sundial's shadow, produced by the gnomon, indicates the time, with shortest shadows at noon and longer ones in the afternoon.