  I describe how to obtain a rather good experimental determination of the
eccentricity of the Earth orbit, as well as the obliquity of the Earth rotation
axis, by measuring, over the course of a year, the elevation of the Sun as a
function of time during a day. With a very simple "instrument" consisting of an
elementary sundial, first-year students can carry out an appealing measurement
programme, learn important concepts in experimental physics, see concrete
applications of kinematics and changes of reference frames, and benefit from a
hands-on introduction to astronomy.
