• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.161-170
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• 2017

In this study, the characteristics of a horizontal sundial from the Joseon Dynasty were investigated. Korea's Treasure No. 840 (T840) is a Western-style horizontal sundial where hour-lines and solar-term-lines are engraved. The inscription of this sundial indicates that the latitude (altitude of the north celestial pole) is $37^{\circ}$ 39', but the gnomon is lost. In the present study, the latitude of the sundial and the length of the gnomon were estimated based only on the hour-lines and solar-term-lines of the horizontal sundial. When statistically calculated from the convergent point obtained by extending the hour-lines, the latitude of this sundial was $37^{\circ}$ $15^{\prime}{\pm}26^{\prime}$, which showed a 24' difference from the record of the inscription. When it was also assumed that a convergent point is changeable, the estimation of the sundial's latitude was found to be sensitive to the variation of this point. This study found that T840 used a vertical gnomon, that is, perpendicular to the horizontal plane, rather than an inclined triangular gnomon, and a horn-shaped mark like a vertical gnomon is cut on its surface. The length of the gnomon engraved on the artifact was 43.1 mm, and in the present study was statistically calculated as $43.7{\pm}0.7mm$. In addition, the position of the gnomon according to the original inscription and our calculation showed an error of 0.3 mm.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.55-65
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• 2017

We studied the hour-lines of six extant Yangcheon-cheoks in Korea. To find whether Yangcheon-cheok was used in the whole area of Korea, we calculated the length of shadows of Yangcheon-cheok on the Korean Peninsula, Nanjing and Beijing as well as Hanyang (Seoul), according to 24 solar terms. Comparing the length of shadows with hour-lines of those relics, we could find that Yangcheon-cheok was suitable for use at limited times (from 9:00 to 15:00) during the year. Also, this sundial is more appropriate for use at low latitudes than high ones. Among existing relics, that of Seoul Museum of History made with porcelain was much more suitable to use at Hanyang and its higher latitude. Lee's collection was also suitable to use at Nanjing. It is certain that Yangcheon-cheok was a portable sundial which could be used from nine to fifteen of clock all the year around except for the winter season.