Polaris, the North Star, is often suggested for sundial alignment. This
fairly bright star is pretty close to north, perhaps a half a degree off the
polar axis, generally available in the northern hemisphere and easy to find
in the sky. The altitude of Polaris also gives a pretty good indication
Polaris, the North Star, is often suggested for sundial alignment. This
fairly bright star is pretty close to north, perhaps a half a degree off
the
polar axis, generally available in the northern hemisphere and easy to find
in the sky.
I hope this is useful for any of you
Roger
What a great letter! Lots of practical information.
John
John L. Carmichael Jr.
Sundial Sculptures
925 E. Foothills Dr.
Tucson Arizona 85718
USA
Tel: 520-696-1709
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Website: http://www.sundialsculptures.com
- Original Message -
From: Roger Bailey [EMAIL
Amateur astronomers also deal with polar alignment when they have to
set up an equitorial mount. This is usually done with a low power
finder scope (6 to 8 power). If you can attach a finder scope to the
sundial, this would be much better than trying to align by eye.
Some finder scopes just
Hi Richard:
It may not be that simple.
On an astronomical telescope you can align the finder scope to the main scope by
looking at the same star and using a cross hair eyepiece (which can be checked
by
rotation). Fixing a finder scope to a mechanical sundial may present an
alignment
problem.
Brooke Clarke wrote:
Hi Richard:
It may not be that simple.
I have considered using a surveying transit to sight Polaris at culmination
and
transferring the N-S line to stakes on the ground. This N-S line could then
be
transferred to the center of the dial.
Then you are back to
Perhaps Fernando or John or ... could share with us (me!) their techniques
for polar alignment in the southern hemisphere--where there is no bright
Polaris at which to aim, but only the often-hard-to-spot Sigma Octantis.
cheers,
Peter
