Why Do Clocks Run Clockwise ?

ancient sundial in coimbra portugalIn horseracing and most forms of skating, we are accustomed to seeing movement in a counter-clockwise direction. Is there any particular reason why clocks run ‘clockwise’? The explanation, it turns out, is quite simple for this Imponderable.

Before the advent of clocks, we used sundials. In the Northern Hemisphere, the shadows rotated in the direction we now call ‘clockwise: The clock hands were built to mimic the natural movements of the sun. If clocks had been invented in the Southern Hemisphere, one may speculate, Clockwise would be the opposite direction.


Author: Robert

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