Friday, December 28, 2012

Foucault Pendulum

When I was a child we would visit the Griffith Observatory from time to time.  I was always fascinated by the Foucault Pendulum
 I still am.  I am not alone, it is a magnet for most who enter the observatory.
As the pendulum moves back and forth, the earth is turning beneath it.  About every 8 minutes the earth has rotated enough that a pin on the bottom of the pendulum knocks over another of the tiles at the left.
The shiny ball of the pendulum reflects the newly restored Hugo Ballin Murals in the dome of the rotunda.

Find more reflections at Weekend Reflections, hosted for us by James. 

10 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Fascinating post/captures/reflections for the day, Martha!! Have a wonderful weekend and a very Happy New Year!!!

Sylvia

HansHB said...

Nice photos, great for the theme!

MTWaggin said...

So glad you chose that as your reflection post and explained it to us. I've never seen such a thing and I am also now very fascinated by it.

Nonnie said...

what a great reflection!

'Tsuki said...

I understand you fascination for this pendulum... In Paris we had one displayed in the conservatoire des arts et métiers in Paris for year ; it wasn't as pretty as this one, but it was drawing oscillations in the sand on the ground, and I spend hours looking at it...

My name is Riet said...

That is very special and I learned something today. Tha k you. Happy NewYear

Judy said...

That would be so interesting to see in person!!

Katney said...

I have never been to the Griffith Park Observatory. Next time we stay with my brother, I will propose an excursion. (He will say "where did that come from?")

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Must go see! Wonderful picture and thank you for the information.

Janie said...

I saw one of those at an Atlanta science museum last fall. I was fascinated, too.
Happy 2013!