Foucault Pendulum

Watch our 235-pound pendulum show how the Earth rotates on it's axis!

Where:
Rotunda
Tickets:
FREE
Age:
All Ages
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What if you could visualize the rotation of earth without needing to take a trip to space? The Foucault Pendulum, located in the Science Museum’s Rotunda, is designed to demonstrate Earth’s rotation on its axis.

The Foucault Pendulum was invented by French physicist Jean Foucault (pronounced "Foo-koh) in 1851 to demonstrate the rotation of the earth and we still use it today for the same purpose. The Pendulum consists of a wire and a heavy symmetrical bob which hangs from the top of the dome of the Science Museum’s rotunda.

The pendulum swings back and forth as the earth rotates on its axis and knocks down the pegs. It takes 19 hours and 43 minutes to knock down all 79 pegs. Come join in the anticipation of seeing the pendulum swing and the excitement when it knocks down a peg!

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