Sundial in Marcheseuil
Hanging on the south wall of Saint Marcel Church since the year 2000, the two-wire sundial was designed according to Michnik’s method (1922).
On polar sundials, which are the most common, the time is indicated by the shadow cast by the tip of the gnomon. On this sundial, however, the time is indicated by the point where the shadows of the two wires intersect (also known as the “shadow point”).
A Latin motto is engraved on the dial : Nobis Tempus Eis AEternitas. This can be translated as “To us, time ; to them, eternity”.
How do you tell the time on this dial ?
The top line represents the Winter Solstice. The bottom line represents the Summer Solstice. Between the two lines are the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes. The vertical lines represent the hours and half-hours of the day.
The “shadow point” indicates the time to the nearest quarter of an hour.
What to do in the surroundings ?
