Flat Earth Sundial vs Reality

This simulation demonstrates how a sundial designed for a flat earth model would theoretically work, but fails when compared to reality.

The flat earth sundial assumes the sun moves in a circle above a flat plane, while a real sundial accounts for Earth's spherical geometry and axial tilt.

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°
cm
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Flat Earth Sundial Model

Viewing Direction: Looking North

12:00 PM
Shadow Length: 0.0 cm
Shadow Angle: 0°

Spherical Earth Sundial (Reality)

Viewing Direction: Looking North

12:00 PM
Shadow Length: 0.0 cm
Shadow Angle: 0°

Sun Position Data

Solar Elevation (Globe): 0°
Solar Elevation (Flat Earth): 0°
Solar Azimuth: 0°
Hour Angle: 0°
Declination: 0°

Sundial Comparison

Time Difference: 0 minutes
Shadow Length Diff: 0.0 cm
Shadow Angle Diff: 0°
Accuracy Error: 0%

How This Demonstrates Flat Earth Problems

The flat earth sundial model assumes the sun moves in a perfect circle above a flat plane at constant height. This creates several issues:

  • Seasonal Variations: Real sundials account for the sun's changing declination throughout the year due to Earth's axial tilt.
  • Latitude Effects: The flat earth model cannot properly account for how sundial accuracy changes with latitude.
  • Time Zones: A flat earth sundial would show the same time everywhere at the same longitude, ignoring Earth's curvature.
  • Shadow Patterns: Real shadows follow predictable patterns based on spherical trigonometry, not flat geometry.