Foucault pendulum

Idea and project management: Mag. Norbert Lipp, MAS, MBA
Scientific and technical management: AO. Uni.-Prof DI. Dr. Peter Dietmaier
Electronics: DI Marcus Lang
Design of the pendulum floor: Hans Jandl

Technical information

The St. Ruprecht pendulum with a length of 6.5 meters and a ball with a mass of 32 kilograms is set up at a north latitude of 47 degrees for 9 minutes and 6 seconds. Mathematically, the plane of oscillation takes on the same position relative to the earth's surface at periodic intervals of about 32 hours and 40 minutes. The plane of oscillation of the pendulum therefore rotates against the earth's surface by 264 degrees in one day or by about 11 degrees in an hour. A ring of 260 light-emitting diodes is used to indicate the rotation of the pendulum plane. Every 5 1/2 minutes and 30 seconds, another LED switches on, indicating that the pendulum has turned 1 degree further. After one day, a light band of 264 light-emitting diodes should have formed. Every day at midnight this band of light is extinguished in order to build itself up again.

The East Styrian artist Hans Jandl designed the circular plate under the pendulum. The inscription reads: “In the beginning is the Word, and the Word is with God, and the Word is God. Man knows time, and time is number, and number is with power, and number is power. "

Collective cab Eastern Styria SAM WZ1872, reservation under +43 50 36 37 38 or ISTmobil.at

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