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Stonehenge is the oldest monument to the sun built roughly 4,000 years ago, that thousands flock to for sunrise on June 21. It is actually a galactic clock, marking significant changes of seasons. It has a rival now, and just in time for the summer solstice. June 21st is the longest day (daylight) of the year for the Northern Hemisphere. It's a day in which cultures throughout history have celebrated. This year of 2009 is 400 years after Galileo made his first observations with a telescope. To mark the great accomplishment, it has been named "The year of astronomy".
To honor the occasion, scientists and engineers in France have turned a dam into what they say is the largest sundial in the world. Sundials have been used for centuries to tell time during the day. It works as the sun's shadow is cast on a dial which is numbered in reverse of a clock. With the exception of daylight saving's time, it is fairly accurate in counting and marking the correct hours as the sun makes it's apparent trek across the sky.
See the video below. For a look at some of the largest sundials in the world- see the slide show below. It's interesting how many claim the be the largest.
http://www.examiner.com/x-11224-Baltimore-Weather-Examiner~y2009m6d20-Video-of-the-largest-sundial-in-the-world
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