Bill Nye Solar Noon Clock

Even on Ithaca's cloudiest days, the Bill Nye Solar Noon Clock marks the Sun's highest daily position by shining a beam of actual sunlight.

What time is Solar Noon in Ithaca today?

5:08:29 PM (ET)

Bill Nye Solar Noon Clock Live Cam ↓
Bill Nye looks up at the solar noon clock on Rhodes Hall at Cornell Engineering

In designing the clock, Bill Nye ’77 drew inspiration from his father, a World War II prisoner of war who observed the shadow of a shovel handle to reckon the passage of time.

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“I very much hope that the Solar Noon Indicator will inspire Cornellians and visitors alike, as they note the time of day reckoned with our Sun ponder their place among the stars.”

Bill Nye ’77
Bill Nye, ’77, speaks with students, poses for photos, and discusses plans for his solar noon clock at Rhodes Hall on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.

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    Visit the display case in the lobby of Rhodes Hall to learn more about the history, design, and creation of the Bill Nye Solar Noon Clock.

Bill Nye Solar Noon Clock Live Cam