What points to the time on a sundials?

A sundial indicates time by using the position of the sun's shadow, cast by a gnomon (a vertical stick or triangular blade) onto a marked surface. As the sun moves across the sky, the angle of the shadow changes, allowing it to align with specific hour markings. The readings can vary based on the sundial's latitude and the time of year due to the Earth's tilt and orbit. Proper calibration is necessary to ensure accurate timekeeping.