Peeking through the Montlake Branch Library’s ceiling, what secrets does the Skylight Aperture Sundial reveal? This isn’t your typical sundial with a jutting gnomon casting shadows. This Seattle sundial uses light itself.
The Skylight Aperture Sundial is inside this very library. Five circular skylights filter sunlight. They create a row of sunspots that dance across the library floor. It mimics the sun’s journey from east to west.
This unique sundial was built in 2006. Rebecca Cummins designed this artwork in partnership with Weinstein Architects. Woody Sullivan acted as a consultant.
Look up. You will see five glass discs in the skylight. The discs are held by steel brackets. They aren’t just for show. Each disc is colored differently. You can see purple, teal, green, aqua and orange.
The orange disc is the key to timekeeping. It acts as the “nodus” or time indicator of this Skylight Aperture Sundial. Watch closely as the orange sunspot moves. When it crosses a specific line on the floor, it marks solar noon. This is when the sun is at its highest point.
Markings on the floor show the sunspot’s position at noon. You can see the summer solstice position around June 21. There are also markers for the equinoxes. These occur around March 20 and September 23. A final circle marks August 12. This date celebrates the library’s grand opening in 2006.
This Skylight Aperture Sundial mirrors historic astronomical tools. In the 17th and 18th centuries, European cathedrals had apertures for astronomical observations. Now this library serves as a small observatory. It makes the Earth’s movements visible to everyone.
The library at night transforms the Skylight Aperture Sundial. Artificial lights illuminate the colored discs. The sundial becomes an art installation. The beauty of it remains whether it is day or night.
Seattle boasts many sundials. This one stands out because of its artistic design. The Skylight Aperture Sundial combines art, science, and architecture. It is a tribute to human curiosity.
Before you leave, grab a brochure. Librarians have more information about this unique Seattle sundial. The Skylight Aperture Sundial is more than just a time-telling device. It’s a reminder of our connection to the cosmos. It transforms a simple library visit into an astronomical experience.