In one embodiment, a reflecting surface, a gnomon and a dial are arranged so that rays from the sun are reflected toward gnomon such that its projected image is visible on dial. The projected image moves across the dial in response to the movement of sun across the sky, thus providing some indication of time and season. Other embodiments are described and shown.

In one embodiment, a reflecting surface, a gnomon and a dial are arranged so that rays from the sun are reflected toward gnomon such that its projected image is visible on dial. The projected image moves across the dial in response to the movement of sun across the sky, thus providing some indication of time and season. Other embodiments are described and shown.

A celestial instrument as a memorial sun dial or star clock has a flat plate body or a spherical body that includes two hemispheres facing one another and spaced apart by a circular gap allowing sunlight to pass through the gap in the instrument. A planar date ring containing graphics surrounds the flat plate or the sphere. Upper and lower gnomons are rotatably secured to the plate or to the hemispheres. A stand includes a holder for a latitude arm that supports the gnomons. When the gap is placed in alignment with the ecliptic, sunlight can pass through a gap parallel to the plate or through a lens within the spherical body focusing a spot of light onto a display surface. A pointer on a rotatable shadow arm indicates the time on a 24-hour clock face.

A celestial instrument as a memorial sun dial or star clock has a flat plate body or a spherical body that includes two hemispheres facing one another and spaced apart by a circular gap allowing sunlight to pass through the gap in the instrument. A planar date ring containing graphics surrounds the flat plate or the sphere. Upper and lower gnomons are rotatably secured to the plate or to the hemispheres. A stand includes a holder for a latitude arm that supports the gnomons. When the gap is placed in alignment with the ecliptic, sunlight can pass through a gap parallel to the plate or through a lens within the spherical body focusing a spot of light onto a display surface. A pointer on a rotatable shadow arm indicates the time on a 24-hour clock face.