A LARGE, INTERACTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL SUNDIAL AT NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE—CENTERPIECE FOR GEOSCIENCE INSTRUCTION

A recently-completed, 6 x 3 meter, interactive analemmatic sundial at NWFSC will provide a focal point for geoscience instruction both in the classroom and the local community. Located at the heart of campus foot traffic, the dial is both a sculpture and a scientifically-accurate, modern rendition of the oldest of scientific instruments. With the support of a long-time college benefactor, a committee of scientists and artists directed the project, including a national search for an artist.

The dial user is the gnomon, and must stand on the appropriate month on the Scale of Dates, casting a shadow with the body and outstretched arms to determine the time. For more precision, a telescoping gnomon pole is used. But to fully explain the function of the dial requires an understanding of: (1) Latitude and longitude (to construct the dial and determine local time); (2) True North (to orient the dial); (3) Earth-Sun Relations, including Earth’s obliquity, eccentricity, rotation, and revolution; and (4) the Representation of Time using the Equation of Time, Greenwich Mean Time, Standard Time Meridians and Zones, atomic clocks, Coordinated Universal Time, etc. Scientific symbols on the dial include a compass rose; the Great Bear constellation Ursa major, with the Big Dipper asterism pointing to Polaris (represented at the XII Noon mark by a solar cell so that it may be seen at night); the figure-8-like analemma; planetary symbols for the Sun, Moon, and five visible planets (for which the days of the week are named); the constellations of the zodiac; solstices and equinoxes; and Ante Meridiem/Post Meridiem (AM, PM). Bronze plaques give the title and date of construction, latitude and longitude of the dial, and a poetic quote from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, by Coleridge. An instructional brochure is available to all users.

The dial was unveiled during a “first shadow ceremony” in September of 2010 with much fanfare including presentations by the artist and faculty, honoring our benefactor, T-shirts, etc. The Science Department at NWFSC offers many courses in the geosciences that may benefit from the dial, including Earth Science, Physical Science, Physical Geology, Oceanography, and Astronomy; supports baccalaureate programs in Elementary and Middle School Math & Science Education; and is frequent host to a local astronomy club.