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Peter J. Meadows


Re-examines the theory and practice behind north-declining vertical dials, correcting misconceptions and providing updated construction guidelines.
Dials: Vertical, Mathematics of Dialling

An analysis of the challenges and methods for designing sundials on north-declining vertical surfaces, with trigonometric solutions and practical tips for layout and correction.
Dials: Vertical

This article focuses on the additional informational elements, or "furniture," found on vertical sundials beyond just hour lines. It uses the Queens' College dial as an example of a dial rich in such information (altitude, azimuth, zodiac, sunrise time, day length). The author explains how to calculate and display various furniture types, including equinox and solstice declination lines, altitude and azimuth lines, and monthly declination lines, all based on the shadow cast by a "nodus" on the dial. The methodology involves transforming the vertical dial to an equivalent horizontal dial for simplified calculations and discusses the practical aspects of displaying such data.
Dials: Vertical, Mathematics of Dialling, Sundial Design & Layout