As Sombras do Tempo ...

The Shadows of Time…

Exhibit at the Solar da Praça de Santa Maria, Rua Direita, Óbidos
Opening reception, Saturday 15 June 2002 18.30
Exhibit hours, 10.00 to 13.00 and 14.00 to 17.30 every day

This exhibit, realised by Projecto Matemática em Acção - Centro da Matemática e Aplicações Fundamentais da Universidade de Lisboa, is the result of research concerning the relationship between Astronomy and Mathematics, in the context of the Pedagogical Training required for de BSc in mathematical teaching. It involved the Secondary School António Arroio and Mathematics Department of Faculdade de Ciências de Lisboa.
The presentation ¾ which, in addition some models of actual sun-dials includes photographs and panels depicting their construction and function ¾ refers to pieces that may still be found in the outskirts of Lisbon.

Shadows have aroused diverse feelings in Man since the beginning of time. As it crosses the sky everyday, the Sun ¾ the chief source of light for Mankind until only very recently, and, of necessity, also the leading creator of shadows ¾ displays an annual cyclic behaviour that cries out for an explanation.
Among the many timekeeping devices devised throughout the millennia was the sundial. Sundials and the counting of time blended together in a timeless mathematical symbiosis interwoven with wonder.
This itinerant exhibition ¾ first presented at the time of the conference "Nexus 2002: Relationships Between Architecture and Mathematics", in the medieval town of Óbidos ¾ invites you to participate in a journey through time and share the enchantment of sundials that has accumulated over many centuries of the history of Portugal.

Exhibit curators: Adelaide Carreira, Ana Paula Silva, Pedro Miguel de Oliveira, Suzana Metello de Nápoles