4 common types of sundials
A sundial tells the time of the day based on the Sun’s apparent position in the sky. Children are often taught to make unique sundials at home and tell time while viewing the sun’s movement. Over time, sundials have revolutionized from functional timepieces to noteworthy art pieces that can brighten your garden or add an oomph factor to your outdoor décor. You can choose from several contemporary styles of unique sundials that match your home décor if you’re looking to buy one.
Types of sundials
An array of unique sundials are available in the market in varying shapes and sizes, crafted from different materials.
Let’s look at four common types of sundials:
- Horizontal sundial
This is the most common type of sundial and is characterized by its flat-shaped dial plate. Also called the “garden sundial,” it is typically spotted on pedestals in gardens. A horizontal sundial has three parts: the gnomon or the vertical part of the sundial that casts a shadow to tell time, the hour markers that denote the time on which the shadow falls, and the faceplate or the area of the dial where the shadow is cast. The faceplate tells the time. - Vertical sundial
Vertical sundials are seen mounted on church walls, town halls, and other buildings so that they can be spotted from a distance.
In this timepiece, the shadow-receiving plane is aligned vertically, and its gnomon is positioned to align with the Earth’s axis of rotation. This type of sundial is not equiangular, so the line of shadow will not move uniformly on the dial’s face. Equatorial sundial
The equatorial sundial is also known as the “equinoctial dial.” It sports a planar surface on which the shadow is cast. The shadow is exactly perpendicular to the gnomon’s style in this type of sundial. You can easily construct and visualize your unique type of equatorial sundial with a flat surface oriented with the celestial equator and a gnomon perpendicular to the celestial equator. This sundial’s dial plate is usually flat, but it can also be a circular ring. Polar sundial
These sundials have a dial plate that is parallel to the Earth’s axis. The gnomon is parallel to the dial plate, and the hour lines are parallel to each other. A polar sundial’s face should be parallel to the gnomon, and it doesn’t have to be vertical. This type of sundial is typically installed on a rod or is made of a rectangular plate.
The equatorial sundial is also known as the “equinoctial dial.” It sports a planar surface on which the shadow is cast. The shadow is exactly perpendicular to the gnomon’s style in this type of sundial. You can easily construct and visualize your unique type of equatorial sundial with a flat surface oriented with the celestial equator and a gnomon perpendicular to the celestial equator. This sundial’s dial plate is usually flat, but it can also be a circular ring.
These sundials have a dial plate that is parallel to the Earth’s axis. The gnomon is parallel to the dial plate, and the hour lines are parallel to each other. A polar sundial’s face should be parallel to the gnomon, and it doesn’t have to be vertical. This type of sundial is typically installed on a rod or is made of a rectangular plate.
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