If you're wondering how to tell time with sun, this guide will show you how to do so. Learn to find the highest point in the sun's path, estimate the length of your shadow, and use a sundial. Regardless of your age or experience level, these methods are very reliable. In addition to the sundial, you can also count your fingers and the shadows they cast on your hands. Hopefully, these tips will make telling time with the sun much easier.

Guide to telling time by looking at the sun

To tell time by looking at the Sun, start by observing its path. Find the highest point of the Sun, and then find a marker or building on the horizon beneath it. The shortest shadow always points north. You can also use a stick or pencil to find the direction of the sun. These two methods will give you a general idea of how long it's been since you last looked at the sun.

Finding the highest point in the sun's path

To find the time with the sun, mark the high and low points on the horizon. Midday is when the sun is at its highest point, while midnight is when it is at its lowest. This will tell you what time it is in both winter and summer. You can also adjust for Daylight Saving Time by adjusting the time you mark on the graph paper. Depending on your location, the height of the shadow you record will change throughout the day.

Estimating the length of your shadow

The best way to estimate the length of your shadow is by measuring its height at high noon, otherwise known as solar noon. High noon happens twice a year, usually in spring and fall. When the sun is at its highest point, it's roughly 45o above the horizon. On these days, you'll want to estimate the length of your shadow between a few hours after high noon to one minute before it sets on a given day.

Using a sundial

The basic principles of using a sundial to tell time are as follows: observe the motion of the Sun, and use the data to determine its true north and local noon. Keep in mind that the clock's time is different from the sun's time, so you need to get up early and observe the stars. If possible, you should start your sundial activity in the morning when the sky is clear. This will help you get familiar with the device and its characteristics.

Using a daymark

Using a daymark to tell time is an excellent way to use your wristwatch to learn about the seasons and the path of the sun. The daymarks are named after their positions in the sky, which are based on the path of the sun. For example, the Mid-Evening daymark is located halfway between Midday and Midnight. The equinoxes occur at these times.

Using a full moon

If you're ever in a situation where you can't see a clock or you don't have access to one, you can tell the time with the moon and the sun. The moon's position in the sky is a convenient reference, since the Earth's rotation doesn't cause its position to change much in any given day. However, you should still have a basic knowledge of the sun's position and the length of daylight in your area.

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