Astronomical Clock

August 09, 2017

The Astronomical clock isn't just a regular sort of clock. This is so because it gives something extra apart from telling the time. As the name implies, it also gives astronomical information in relation to eclipses, sidereal time, the positions of the sun and moon, and zodiac constellations. The Astronomical clock is indeed a complex device [with many daedal parts] that takes quite a good number of months- if not years- and efforts to build. For instance, the astronomical clock designed by Danish horologist, Jens Olsen took about fifty years to be completed. However, those completed in a relatively lesser amount of time have since been developed, and modern designs of the clock are predominantly based on the works of Richard of Wallingford and Giovanni de Dondi, who separately built different versions of the astronomical clock around the 14th century. Some common examples of astronomical clocks include Prague Orloj, Wells Cathedral Astronomical Clock, Antikythera device, the Planetarium amongst others.

Components of an Astronomical Clock

Let's now see some of the things [aside the different component dials] that make the astronomical clock tick:

• Oscillator: This moves repeatedly and rhythmically based on the time interval that is realizable from the swings.
• Controller device: The controller device functions to keep the oscillator swinging.
• Counter chain: A network of wheels that takes note of the number of swings which is then used in telling the time.
• Power Source: This is usually an object that serves as a pulley, and it is driven by gravitational force.

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