Foucault Pendulum in the Griffith Observatory Rotunda
Foucault Pendulum at the W.M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda – Griffith Observatory
If you’ve ever been to the Griffith Observatory, you of course have seen this large Foucault Pendulum as you enter the main building. It swings slowing from each end of the circular area demonstrating the Earth’s rotation to the visitors.
According to the Griffith Observatory’s website, the brass ball weighs 240 lbs and is suspended by a 40 ft long cable. It then:
“swings in a constant direction while the Earth turns beneath it. The pendulum is mounted to a bearing in the rotunda ceiling that does not turn with the building as it rotates with the Earth. A ring magnet at the bearing gives a little tug on each swing of the pendulum to keep the pendulum in motion. As the day passes, the pendulum knocks over pegs set up in the pendulum pit and indicates the progress of rotation”
Interesting isn’t it? If you wait and watch if for a while you’ll see exactly what it’s trying to prove.
Here’s a tip, take your time when you’re at the Observatory, like the pendulum rushing your visit will limit the amount of fun and knowledge you’ll get out of it.
My wife and I make it a habit to visit at least once a year. You never know what you’ll find. For example, not too long ago we captured a crazy stunt as a man walked out onto a roof ledge in order to plank on the side of the Griffith Observatory.
As for the picture above, capturing the moving pendulum in low light is a challenge. The only option is to use a high ISO or a flash. I chose to go with a high ISO of 1250, a flash would have produced shadows and uneven light.
If you look closely (viewing the larger image) you can see that the ball needs a little dusting, the specs are visible. Plus, my reflection and that of the visitors are also seen on the top of the ball. I’m the one with the camera on the lower right next to the blue color coming from the open front main door.
Ramon
Ramon has been an avid photographer for over 20 years. He runs and contributes to several photography sites including OCSurfPix.com and OCPix. His main expertise is in advertising and online marketing but photography has always remained a top priority. For photography reviews and tutorials visit my OCPix Youtube Channel!
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