**Limitations of a Sundial**

A sundial is an ancient timekeeping device that uses the position of the sun to indicate the time. Despite its simplicity and historical significance, sundials have certain limitations that affect their accuracy and practicality. Below are the details of these limitations:

**1. Dependence on Sunlight:**
- Sundials rely entirely on sunlight to function properly.
- They cannot be used during cloudy or overcast weather conditions as sunlight is essential for casting shadows.

**2. Variation in Solar Time:**
- Sundials measure solar time, which is based on the position of the sun.
- Solar time does not always match the standard time used in our daily lives, known as mean solar time or civil time.
- The difference between solar time and mean solar time can vary throughout the year due to the elliptical shape of Earth's orbit around the sun.
- This variation is most noticeable in regions located far from the equator.

**3. Inaccuracy due to Earth's Tilt:**
- The Earth's axis is tilted, causing the position of the sun to change throughout the year.
- This tilt results in the sun's rays falling at different angles on the sundial, leading to inaccuracies in timekeeping.
- The discrepancy between sundial time and standard time can range from a few minutes to several minutes depending on the time of the year and the observer's location.

**4. Lack of Portability:**
- Sundials are typically fixed structures that need to be oriented towards true north and adjusted for the observer's latitude.
- Once installed, they cannot be easily moved or adjusted to a different location.
- This lack of portability restricts their use to a specific area and limits their practicality in modern times.

**5. Daylight Saving Time:**
- Sundials do not account for daylight saving time adjustments.
- When the clock is moved forward or backward, the time indicated by a sundial remains unchanged.
- This discrepancy between the sundial time and the adjusted civil time can cause confusion and inconvenience.

**6. Nighttime and Indoor Ineffectiveness:**
- Sundials are designed to work during daylight hours only.
- They cannot be used at night or indoors, making them impractical for nighttime or indoor timekeeping.

In conclusion, while sundials possess historical significance and provide a unique way to observe the movement of the sun, their limitations in terms of dependence on sunlight, variation in solar time, inaccuracy due to Earth's tilt, lack of portability, non-adaptability to daylight saving time, and their inability to function at nighttime or indoors restrict their practicality in modern timekeeping.

Sundial can not be used after sunset or on a cloudy day.They can also not be carried along to different places.