In relation to the recent question/replies, regarding detecting/correcting 'errors' in the setting of sundials - is there any feasible way of varying the layout of an "Analemmatic" dial, to cope with it being on a GRADIENT ?
My own thinking is that this is just NOT possible, if the dial has to tell 'correct' time (disregarding EOT effects) at all times of DAY, plus at all seasons of the YEAR - but will welcome any comments/confirmation, on this. Obviously - the errors introduced by trying to put an "Analemmatic" on any gradient, will be influenced both by the 'direction' and 'angle' of slope. For example, a gradient in the East/West direction would cause a different error than one which slopes North/South, or North-West to South-East, etc. Likewise, a 'steep slope' will cause a larger error than a small gradient. Assuming that the gnomon is always vertical, is there ANY way to produce a fixed "Analemmatic" layout on a gradient - such that it would tell correct time throughout each day, AND throughout an entire year ? Bearing in mind the vertical gnomon (not parallel to the Earth's axis), and that there are Hour-POINTS (not Hour-lines) - is such a layout a definite impossibility ? With my grateful thanks in advance - for all comments, and/or suggestions. Best Regards, Douglas Hunt. -- "MODERN SUNCLOCKS" - 'Human Sundials', using YOUR OWN SHADOW to tell time. For details, see Web-site at http://www.argonet.co.uk/education/sunclocks/ Mail Address: 1 Love Street, Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland, KA13 7LQ, UK. Tel & Fax (UK): 01294-552250. International Tel & Fax: + 44 1294 552250. E-mails to: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" or "[EMAIL PROTECTED]"
