How to find the right Sundial Clocks AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Sundial Clocks
- Latitude match
- The gnomon angle must equal your latitude; check for an adjustable gnomon or one made for your latitude A gnomon set for a different latitude gives wrong readings for most of the year.
- True north alignment
- Align the gnomon to true north, not magnetic north, so correct the compass bearing for local declination Misalignment shifts every hour reading.
- Clock time offset
- A sundial shows local solar time; adjust for your position in the time zone, the equation of time and daylight saving Buyers often think a sundial is broken when it differs from their watch.
- Material
- Prefer solid brass, bronze or stone over painted resin for outdoor use Resin fades and warps in sun, while metal and stone weather well.
- Siting
- Place it on a level surface with unobstructed sun for most of the day Shade or tilt makes the dial useless or inaccurate.
What to avoid
- Decorative sundials with a fixed gnomon of unstated angle if you want working accuracy
Questions
Why doesn't my sundial match my clock?
It shows solar time. Expect differences from time-zone position, the equation of time (up to about a quarter hour) and daylight saving.