Summary
Following the Sun without looking at it directly.
Using simple ancient methods
Comparing observations with the latest scientific predictions.
-
from midwinter to midsummer solstice or vice versa
as the sun appears to move from North to South.
- in places of different latitude from North to South across the World.
Activities:
-
Construct (quickly, easily and cheaply)
- a circular sun 45 sundial (a vertical post surrounded by a horizontal circle )
-
a sunbeam box (a rectangular cardboard box with a hole in the end)
- Observe the sunbeams and shadows on different days and at different times, as autumn and winter approach in the northern hemisphere and spring and summer in the south.
- Record the time and the date when the sun is at, or near, an angle of 45 degrees (Equi-umbra) in the morning or in the afternoon and, if possible when this occurs at midday.
- Obtain the latitude and longitude of the place, the local time and the time at Greenwich.
- Compare notes of the dates and times with the latest sun information from the internet.
Possible Additional Activities:
- Construct a simple and safe sun inclinometer and/or a shadow plumbline.
- Look for unintentional (casual) sundials (flagpoles, posts, monuments, buildings etc) locally and using the internet.
- Collect related photos / images:
- which contain indications of the direction in which they were taken, and where the latitude and longitude of the place and the date and time are known or can be found.
- locally, from magazines etc. and from the internet.
- Compile a group, or personal, sun diary (almanack) containing local information (maps etc) together with sun 45 information and related images for different days of the year.
- Learn more about the sun and its role in the development of clocks and calenders, in culture, in navigation, surveying, climate change and health
- Investigate the possibility of constructing sun45 dials in public spaces
|