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Frank King


This article details the initial design considerations for a memorial sundial for Margaret Stanier at Newnham College, Cambridge. Frank King proposes an unequal-hours dial with a straight-rod gnomon, loosely based on a historic mass dial. He explores the challenges of accurately indicating unequal hours with a gnomon, discussing celestial sphere projections and a 'critical angle of dip' to improve precision.
Construction Projects, Dials: Mass Dials, Mathematics of Dialling, Sundial Design & Layout

This article addresses the difficulties of accommodating leap years on sundial calendars, particularly when showing the equation of time or solar declination. It explains how to design scales for precise readings despite the difference between tropical and civil years, and discusses the historical debate around which day (24th or 29th February) is the "extra" leap day. Practical design solutions are proposed.
Equation of Time, How Sundials Work, Mathematics of Dialling, Sundial Design & Layout

This section contains letters from readers discussing various sundial topics. These include formulae for horizontal shadow length, a query about the oldest scientific sundial in the British Isles, sundials in family crests, proposed organisational changes within the BSS, and the historical transmission of scratch dials and water-clock functionality. It highlights ongoing member engagement and research interests.
Mathematics of Dialling, Historical Dials, The BSS and Members, Mottoes

This article details the design and construction of a new elliptical slate sundial for Selwyn College, Cambridge, indicating both Babylonian and Italian hours. It discusses the selection of the site, the unique nodus design, precise surveying for wall parameters, and the process of setting out and cutting the dial with inscriptions.
Construction Projects, Dials: Vertical, Mathematics of Dialling, Sundial Design & Layout

This article is the second part of a series detailing the Selwyn College sundial, focusing on its numerical properties. It explains the criss-cross pattern of Babylonian and Italian hour-lines, their relationship with French hours, and the concept of 'extra daylight.' It also provides methods for setting out these hour-lines.
Dials: Unusual, How Sundials Work, Mathematics of Dialling, Sundial Design & Layout

This paper describes the pinhole sundial in the Grand-Ducal Astronomical Observatory (La Specola) in Florence. It covers the observatory's history, the sundial's design as a string-gnomon meridian line, its restoration in 2005, and a comparison of measured zodiac point positions with calculated values. It highlights the instrument's historical importance for astronomical studies and calendar reform.
Dials: Noon Lines, Historical Dials, How Sundials Work, Restoration projects

This section contains various letters from readers. Frans W. Maes discusses Lambert circles and seasonal markers on analemmatic sundials. Roger Bailey provides corrections and recommendations for seasonal markers. Frank King confirms a relationship for seasonal marker distance. Ken Head replies to Maes and Bailey. John Lester solves the mystery of a partial sundial motto. Malcolm Barnfield describes the making of a noon cannon sundial.
Dials: Analemmatic, Sundial Design & Layout, DIY Sundial Projects, The BSS and Members

This article details the design and construction of an analemmatic sundial for the Queen's Golden Jubilee, located in Old Palace Yard, opposite the House of Lords. It covers the challenges of designing for a cambered surface, the selection of stone from UK countries, the prominent Shakespearean inscription, and the intricate process of determining the scale of dates for the dial.
Construction Projects, Dials: Analemmatic, Sundial Design & Layout

The design and installation of the Pembroke College Wall Dial, emphasizing an uncluttered design and prominent nodus for clear time estimation. It highlights a unique coincidence for Cambridge students cycling past, aligning with lecture times. The article details the construction process, including the sealing of the mounting assembly and the replacement of missing stone, ensuring durability. It also mentions AT&T Research Laboratory's digital camera monitoring for shadow detection.
Construction Projects, Dials: Vertical