|
The Joel N. Myers Sundial was
dedicated on September 22, 2011.
The Joel N. Myers Sundial in The Arboretum at Penn
State was created by sculptor Mark Mennin in 2011 and was made
possible by a gift from 1961 Penn State alumnus, Dr. Joel N. Myers,
founder of AccuWeather. The sundial is a granite sculpture that
serves as a functionally accurate timepiece and artistic attraction.
Accurate sundials have existed since ancient times.
However, the sundials seen most often are decorative pieces that
are valued for their beauty or novelty rather than accuracy and
function. Highly accurate sundials as large as the Myers Sundial
must be custom-made and installed for their exact locations, and
this requires sophisticated technical knowledge and surveying
skill. As a piece of sculptural art, the Myers Sundial incorporates
features of a functional and highly accurate timepiece.
While everyone can enjoy the artistry of the Myers Sundial, the
functionality of the timepiece introduces a complexity that requires
explanation, which we provide in a brochure that is available
in the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens. You may also use the YouTube
video link in the side bar to watch an introduction to the technical
aspects of the sundial by Dr. Chris Palma.
|
