Glossary

Is a device used in timekeeping and astronomy to determine the position of the sun and track the passage of time. It consists of a vertical rod or plate that casts a shadow onto a surface, typically a dial or scale. The length and orientation of the shadow change throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. By observing the position and length of the shadow, one can determine the time of day, the direction of the sun, and even the time of year. Gnomons have been used since ancient times and are still employed in sundials and some modern instruments for measuring solar angles. They provide a practical and visual way to understand the movement of the sun and keep track of time.