Galileo's Instruments and the Outflow Water Clock
Philadelphia's Franklin Institute is displaying in an exhibition titled Galileo, the Medici and the Age of Astronomy, one of those gorgeous brass instruments that resemble jewelry: an armillary sphere.
All ages can participate in Science in Play, a game that was created to accompany the exhibit.
And if you'd like a different aspect of Tuscany to travel, follow the Scientific Itineraries in Tuscany
In 2004, Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland, CA presented Dragon Skies, Astronomy of Imperial China featuring an interactive models of an equatorial armillary sphere (a 2/3 size replica of one built in 1439) and a celestial globe as well as a striking (in both meanings of the word) Outflow Water Clock.
Some of the other objects in this now inactive traveling exhibit were:
Suzhou Star Chart Carved on Stone. Created in 1193 CE, this star chart was used to tutor a young emperor. It shows over 1,400 stars, the ecliptic, the celestial equator, and the Milky Way.
Chinese & Western Star Chart. This Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 CE) print from a carved wood star map shows the divisions of the sky in Imperial China.
Star Chart on Fan. Decorated with a star chart and covered with gold powder, this delicate fan was used in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE).
Bronze Mirror. This mirror, created in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE), is decorated with astronomical images.
Four Gods Roof Tiles. These decorative ornaments, hung on the roofs of ancient buildings in the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), show the four animal constellations representing north, south, east and west. Record Carved on Oracle Bone. China’s earliest recordings of astronomical events were found on oracle bones, used during the Shang Dynasty (1700-1027 BCE) for divination. This ox bone replica contains a recording of a lunar eclipse.
Record Carved on Tortoise Shell. This replica of a 3,000-year old tortoise shell contains one of the earliest recordings of a solar eclipse.
The previously referenced Outflow Water Clock. This is an example of the earliest form of water clock used in China. It was used in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 9 CE).
While you're at the Franklin's site, do take a look at the Hawk's nest cam, positioned on window ledge at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. They've added three nestlings to their family.
More Articles
- The Beige Book Summary of Commentary on Current Economic Conditions By Federal Reserve District Wednesday November 30, 2022
- A la Frank Sinatra: "Come Fly With Me", U.S. Department of Transportation Airline Customer Service Dashboard
- Adrienne G. Cannon Writes: Those Lonely Days
- From the CDC: When You've Been Fully Vaccinated You Can ........For the 30,000,000 Who Have Been Vaccinated
- Jill Norgren Reviews a New Inspector Gamache Mystery: All the Devils Are Here
- FactCheck Post: The Facts on Trump’s Travel Restrictions: "We Don't Have a Travel Ban; We Have a Travel Band-Aid Right Now"
- Heard of the Novel Corona Virus Before? The New England Journal of Medicine's Free Reading Lists and the W.H.O.'s Statement
- Horse, Horse, Tiger, Tiger; It's the Tone of the Character That Makes the Word
- Although the Summer Travel Season is Drawing to a Close, A Worldwide Caution is Still in Effect From the State Department; Hong Kong Update
- The Bodleian Library and Worldmapper Create a Cartogram Depicting Trump's Tweets and Countries that Dominate US President's Foreign Policy