Universal Equinoctial Ring Dial Instructions

This is a reproduction of a universal equinoctial ring dial invented by the brilliant english mathematician william oughtred 1575 1660 this ring dial is a sundial that in theory can be used universally to determine the time in almost any part of the world.

Universal equinoctial ring dial instructions.

It was likely invented by william oughtred around 1600 and became common throughout europe. Three ring universal equinoctial ring dial for all latitudes. A universal ring dial or equinoctial ring sundial. A ring dial or two ring universal equinoctial ring dial to give it its full name was a cutting edge scientific instrument in its time which is about 500 years ago.

The function of the hour ring turn it into a position rectangular to the meridian ring and then back into the universal sundial ring the universal sundial ring is the queen of all sundials. Standard dial see related terms except for the following details the dial is for northern latitudes only. Its clearly one of the few still being made and appears for sale at a number of different places. In its simplest form the style is a thin slit that allows the sun s rays to fall on the hour lines of an equatorial ring.

I found a universal equinoctial sun ring dial for sale at grand illusions this particular version is about 3in across. Universal equinoctial ring dial for latitudes 0 90 north. The latitude scale is divided clockwise 0 90. An universal ring dial first part of the 18th century crafted of brass 9 2 cm in overall diameter.

The inner rim of the equinoctial ring has an hour scale while the. It is closely related to the armillary sphere because similar to this it depicts the surrounding firmament with its rings. Essentially it is a type of sundial that allows you to tell the time wherever you are so long as the sun is shining originally developed in the early 17th century by the. It comprises two rings namely a meridian ring engraved with scales of latitude and a.

A universal equinoctial ring dial is a portable version of an armillary sundial and was inspired by the mariner s astrolabe. A slider moves in the grooved rim of the meridian ring and has a pointer to indicate the latitude. This is a relatively example of the classic pendant ring dial useable anywhere on earth and without the need for a compass.