Hello Frans,
Yes, I know a bit about the Univ. of Columbia "SunBall" sundial. First
its operation was that of a standard time noon marker and date
indicator. It was not used to tell the time, other than standard local
noon. Functionally, the sphere's elliptical shadow projected onto two
symmetrical plates at its base (placed east and west) and indicated the
approx. date (marked in increments of 5 days). When the shadow indicated
the correct date, on both plates, it was standard local noon. The date
plates and base are still there. The missing sphere was made of granite,
was 7 feet in diameter and weighed 15 tons! The sphere was installed in
1912 and was removed (due to its deteriorating condition - crack(s)) in
1947.
I've been there and taken photos (of the surviving pieces) and I have
quite a bit of info that I collected on it from the New York Historical
Society and other sources. It's an amazing concept and is unique as far
as I know. I've made a replicate using an 8 inch glass sphere and if
anyone is interested in having one made please feel free to contact me.
In addition, I would urge all those interested to make the case for a
replacement gnomon (sphere) to be installed per John Schilke's forwarded
e-mail. I believe the resistance thus far concerns the issue of it being
an exact replicate (and a solid 15 ton granite gnomon does indeed
present issues) and if it's not then it isn't worth doing. I think a
hollow bronze shell with granite inlay would be nice...
Regards,
Luke
"F.W.Maes" wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> That is (was!) quite an impressive sphere, at:
> http://www.morningside-heights.net/sundial.htm
>
> Does anyone know how it works?
> I wonder how the dial face is laid out.
>
> Regards, Frans
>
> > From: Ian Fletcher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2002 3:22 AM
> > Subject: Sundial E-Mail Protest
> >
> >
> > > Dear Dr. Schilke:
> > >
> > > Can you send out the following message to whatever mailing list you
> > > have?
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Ian Fletcher
> > >
> > > Dear Sundial-fan:
> > >
> > > At the center of Columbia University's historic campus is a giant broken
> > > sundial. This sundial is missing the huge stone sphere that casts its
> > > shadow (see http://www.morningside-heights.net for a picture). Columbia
> > was
> > > recently given the opportunity to replace it at a reasonable price but
> > > decided not to. I urge you to protest this decision to University
> > Architect
> > > Irwin Lefkowitz ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) and Vice-President Emily Lloyd
> > > ([EMAIL PROTECTED]).
> > >
> > > Respectfully,
> > > Ian Fletcher
> >
> >
> > -
>
> =====================================
> Frans W. Maes
> Peize, The Netherlands
> 53.1 N, 6.5 E
> www.biol.rug.nl/maes/sundials/
> =====================================
> -
-
