Tag: science

  • Longitude: Drawing the Line

    Longitude: Drawing the Line

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    by

    Rick Williams
    in

    To create an accurate sundial, latitude and longitude must be known. Using only household items, astronomical tables, and an accurate clock, I calculated the Woodland Polar Sundial’s coordinates from celestial observations made at the Paula Way Observatory. Approximate latitude is not hard to determine; the altitude in degrees from horizontal to the North Star, Polaris,…

  • Sundial Calculations

    Sundial Calculations

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    by

    Rick Williams
    in

    The precise construction of the Woodland Polar Dial is made possible by comprehension of the mechanics of the annual earth orbit around the sun, trigonometry, and an accurate clock. The picture above shows the shadow cast at 1:59:50 PM PST, 12/1/2023. How can the exact position of the shadow tip be calculated, so the dial…