The Sunpointer is an instrument used to show where the sun is on any date at any time and any place on the globe.

There are three settings:

1. Latitude set with a wing-nut on a protractor which is part of the base.
2. Declination of the sun, which varies between – 23.5o on 21 December and +23.5o on 21 June, is a friction adjustment to measured points on the season plate.
3. Time of day.

The Sunpointer holds a pocket laser whose beam points at the sun’s position. The laser is turned off and on by rotating it in its holster. Holsters on either side of the angle plate can hold two lasers at once to project solar position at two seasons.

The Sunpointer consists of three parts: the base with a threaded insert for attachment to a tripod, a clock dial about a central polar axis, and an angle plate with adjustable solar declination.

How to Use

Rest the base on a flat plane oriented south at the spot where solar access is of interest. Set latitude and season and turn on the laser. Sweep the hour hand through a day and watch the laser pinpoint the sun’s positions.
As an alternative, where the beam may not be visible, remove the laser and sight with a hand held mirror up through the holster.

Additional Remarks

Adjust the stiffness of hourly rotation with the Nylock wing-nut so it is loose enough to turn without moving the base, yet stiff enough to hold its place.

Set north by observing the North Star at night. Notice that the axle for hourly rotation is parallel to the earth’s axis and points at the North Star.

User Comments

“Using the Zomeworks Laser Sunpointer taught me about the earth’s relation to the sun. It was an astronomy lesson. The parts embody the workings of the sun and the earth. So different than just more computer printout and empty instruction."

- Bill Mingenbach, Taos, NM April ‘07

ZOMEWORKS CORPORATION
Passive Energy Products