About the talk: "Fun with the Sun – sundials for stargazers" by Peter Ransom, MBE

We’ll start with a general ramble about time and its history and then move on to some of the theory about why sundials work and why our time measurement instruments do not always agree with the local solar time. I’ll deal with some of the Isle of Wight’s sundials and cover most of the types of dials you are likely to come across, showing examples from various parts of the UK. The emphasis will be on local dials. There will be an opportunity to handle some of the dials I will be bringing over and questions are welcome at any time.

About the speaker: Peter Ransom

Peter was a mathematics teacher at state secondary schools for over three decades. He is a Past President and previous Chair of Council of The Mathematical Association and is now fully retired, spending time at his local observatory and playing oboe in two bands. He received an MBE for voluntary work in mathematics education in 2019. He feels his teaching was enhanced by the application of mathematics in history, which he did in period costume, both nationally and internationally. His obsession with sundials began in 1990 when he realised that nearly the whole mathematics curriculum could be taught through the art of dialling.

About Vectis Astronomical Society:

VAS (http://www.wightstronomy.org) meets on the 4th Friday of every month, except for December. This event is open for non-members to attend. The speakers come from all over the country and give a presentation for around 45 minutes, with a chance for questions and answers afterwards. We have a suggested donation of £2.50 for non-members of VAS.

This presentation will be given in person, but do note that some VAS events will NOT be at the Newchurch observatory site, but will be conducted over Zoom. Please see the calendar on our website for details.