9:10 am May 29

The middle of 45th Avenue between 21st and 23rd streets marks 9:10 am May 29th.

Sundial ghost at Columbia U.

Columbia University had a spherical sundial in the center of campus. It was removed in 1946 after some cracks made its structural integrity questionable. Thought to have been destroyed after removal, recently the sphere has inexplicably resurfaced in Michigan. Here are images of the this sundial as depicted in a vintage postcard, and the same spot today.

More info:
Columbia sundial history
116th was Gnomon’s Land

Sundial within a sundial revisited

2:00 on May 6th is marked by a small sundial – which will remain a decent 2 pm landmark for the first week or so of May. Note the about 5-foot shift in shadow location in 4 days – see previous post at the same spot.

The small sundial is adorned by plaques in the cardinal directions:
North: “Brian Watkins Athlete-Hero”
East: “Vincent C. McNeill Surveyor”
South: “Maria Hernandez Housewife-Heroine”
West: “Joseph E. McGrath Educator”
One wonders who these people are and why they were chosen to be honored in such a manner.

Sundial within a sundial – 2pm May 2

In the first few days of May, a small sundial marks 2:00 in the LIC sundial.