How long is an academic hour? Incredible astronomical clock.

A watch is a watch like a watch - what could be unusual? But in Europe there are astronomical clocks, not only in size, but also in essence. Here is some information about the astronomical clock in Europe.

(Total 27 photos)

1. The term "astronomical clock" is used rather ambiguously. In principle, any clock that shows some astronomical information besides time can be called astronomical. They can show the position of the Sun or Moon (as well as its phases) in the sky, the current zodiac sign, or even star charts. We will start with the most famous - Orla in Prague.

2. To say that this clock is astronomical is to state the obvious. Another word that can describe them: "masterpiece". The first thing to know about them is that they were installed 80 years before the discovery of the Americas by Columbus, that is, in 1410. Immediately striking is the dial in the center, which shows the position of the Sun and Moon. Tourists in Orloi are also attracted by the mechanical figurines of the apostles, which move every hour. In addition, there are other moving figures and a dial with the months of the year.

4. There is a belief that if the residents do not take care of the clock, a curse will fall on the city, and it becomes clear why, after so many years, the clock is still in perfect condition. Of course, they had to be restored several times. A fire due to the shelling of the square in 1945 during the Nazi uprising severely damaged the clock. Years passed before the clock could be fully repaired. For example, the figure "Death and the Turks" was almost completely destroyed.

Lund, Sweden

5. But the clock is a little younger than the Prague ones. They are in the cathedral city of Lund in Sweden.

6. It is believed that work on the clock was completed in 1424. The full name of the watch is Horologium mirabile Lundense. In 1827 they were dismantled, and their restoration took almost a hundred years. Every hour the clock plays on a small organ, and three wise men with servants pass by the figurines of Jesus and Mary (pictured below). It is almost impossible to realize that such a complex mechanism was created in the fifteenth century.

8. Two knights at the top mark the hours, and astronomical dials show the phases of the moon, where and when the sun will set, and much more. The third dial from the top is the calendar. With the help of it, our ancestors calculated the dates of religious holidays, but today we can do it too, since the dial changes once every hundred years. This one will need to be replaced in 2123. As you can see, not all calendars end in 2012.

Strasbourg, France

9. There were three whole astronomical clocks in the Strasbourg Cathedral.

10. The first ones were installed in 1352 and worked for two hundred years until they installed more advanced ones in 1547, which worked until 1788. In 1838, the last ones were installed - those that still stand to this day, and are a monument to the ambitions and life work of the creator. If the clock standing in ordinary houses only had to be replaced twice in six hundred years...

11. Jean-Baptiste Schwilge began work on the clock in 1838. He was born in 1766 and from childhood dreamed of building a new clock for the cathedral. Fifty years later, he fulfilled his dream - that's how long it took to study mechanics, mathematics and clockwork. Before starting work, he and thirty of his assistants spent a year on design. And the time spent paid off: the clock was completed in less than five years and started working in 1842.

14. We are back in the Czech Republic, this time in Olomouc. In 1420, when this clock was built, the city was the capital of the state of Moravia. The clock is installed on the main square of the city, and was rebuilt about once every hundred years.

16. The Czech Republic suffered greatly at the end of World War II, when in 1945 the German troops retreated under the pressure of the Soviet. The clock shot by the Germans, or rather their remains, are stored in the local museum. Czechoslovakia after the war fell under the rule of the USSR, and when the clock was restored, it was done with great care. But, of course, the saints and kings known to all have been replaced by athletes and workers.

17. From afar, the clock looks ancient, and only when you come close do figures become visible, traces of a regime that has lived half as long as every new clock set by the good citizens of Olomouc.

18. All the clocks that we talked about before were installed inside or outside buildings.

The inhabitants of the city of Wells in the west of England in the fourteenth century decided to build such a clock that would be both there and there at once. The photo above shows the inside of the clock. On this dial is a model of the universe. The sun moves in a circle against the background of stars. On the 24 hour dial there are hours from one to twelve in the afternoon and from one to twelve after midnight.

18. The same mechanism drives the clock outside the cathedral so that people do not have to enter the holy place just to find out what time it is.

Bern, Switzerland

21. Although Switzerland is famous for cuckoo clocks, Bern's most recognizable landmark is the Zytglogge Tower. It was built in the thirteenth century, and the astronomical clock was installed in the fifteenth. The dial is shaped like an astrolabe, a navigational instrument that determines the position of the stars, the Sun, the Moon and the planets. Also, if you measure the height above the horizon with an astrolabe, you can find out the local time, and vice versa.

23. The dial is delightfully painted, and, like the other watches we talked about, has been restored several times. Switzerland did not participate in any of the European conflicts of the twentieth century, but time has its own laws, and it took a lot of effort to keep the clock in working order. To better understand what the parts of the dial represent, see the photo below.

26. Finally - the largest astronomical clock. They are located in Cremona, Italy, in the second tallest brick tower in the world.

27. The tower itself was built at the beginning of the thirteenth century, but the locals boast that construction began as early as the eighth. And, of course, it is not surprising that archaeologists have discovered an ancient Roman foundation under it.

The clock was created by a father and son - Francesco and Giovanni Divizioli. The dial shows the passage of the Sun through the signs of the Zodiac.

The term "astronomical clock" in various reference books has an ambiguous meaning. Modern encyclopedias and scientific sources categorically state that this is an accurate instrument used in astronomical observations and for keeping time (and further - the permissible absolute error in milliseconds). "Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron" gives a second interpretation.

What clock is considered astronomical?

According to the definition of this publication, an astronomical clock can be considered a device that performs the functions of not only a precision chronometer, but also a "mechanical" planetarium, demonstrating the movement of large celestial bodies solar system, phases of the moon in the projection on the starry sky. The most complex watches of this class are capable of reflecting more than a hundred different variables directly related to astronomy, and the best examples are not only works of high engineering art, but also the greatest masterpieces of world culture.

Antikythera artifact

Raised from the seabed near the island of Antikythera (Greece) in 1902, fragments of an ancient mechanism shocked archaeologists and researchers. The age of the parts significantly damaged by time (bronze gears, dials and hands) was estimated at 2,200 years. Prior to this discovery, the most daring assumptions about the invention and creation of gears were attributed to the year 800.

For more than a hundred years, the fragments were carefully studied, miraculously surviving inscriptions were deciphered. Only application modern methods studies (computed tomography, polynomial texture mapping) made it possible to create a model of the Antikythera mechanism and determine its functionality. The device was identified not only as an astronomical clock demonstrating the current position of the Sun, Moon and five planets known at that time against the background of the zodiac constellations, but also as the first analog computer in the history of mankind capable of determining their place on celestial sphere at any moment of the past and future, perform arithmetic operations. The study of the artifact continues, and perhaps new discoveries await us.

Created by Giovanni Dondi

In historical sources, there are quite early references to watchmakers and their products, but the past centuries have left neither names nor any details. G. Dondi's watch is the first device of its kind, the existence of which is documented.

The mechanism of the Italian watchmaker, unfortunately, has not been preserved. It was burned along with the monastery of St. Justus, where it was kept until 1809. Historians have only a detailed description made by the Italian himself.

J. Donny (1318-1387) created his creation for more than 15 years. astronomical clock("Astrarium") were installed on the square in Padua in 1364. The applied technical solutions were at least a century ahead of their time. So, to compensate for the libration of the moon (minor pendulum oscillations), the master used gears with an uneven angular distance between the teeth. By the dials it was possible to determine the annual dates of the rolling Catholic holidays.

Many mechanical planetariums have become an ornament and an integral part of cities. Western Europe. Among them are the clocks on the Cathedrals of Strasbourg (France) and Lund (Sweden), the city square of Olomouc (Czech Republic), as well as the famous Feichtinger chimes (Austria, Linz). The astronomical clock of St. Peter's Cathedral (Beauvais, France) is considered the largest in the world (1868). With a height of 12 m, a width of 6 m and a depth of about 3 meters, the product contains more than 90,000 details.

And the Lyons are recognized as one of the oldest in the world. tower clock, the first mention of which dates back to 1379. By their three dials you can find out the time and calendar data, the location of celestial bodies over the French city and church holidays until 2019.

In 1562, the clock was destroyed, but by the end of the 17th century it was restored by Guillaume Nurrisson. During the restoration, another tier was added. From noon until 15.00 every passing hour is announced by the cry of a rooster, and under the melodious chime of bells automatic figures play scenes of the Annunciation.

Staromestsky Orloj - the chimes, which received its own name and became a real symbol of the capital of the Czech Republic. They have been decorating the city hall tower since 1410. The author of the clock project is astronomer and mathematician Jan Shindel. According to his sketches, the master from Kadani Mikulash made the oldest part of Orloi - clockwork and astronomical mechanisms.

The sculptural decoration was made in the workshops of the architect P. Parlerge. And if you do not take into account the mandatory restoration work, guests of the Czech capital see the chimes almost in their original form. The exceptions are the moon phase indicator, equipped in 1597, the figures of Death and the twelve apostles (1659).

The original calendar dial, made at the end of the 15th century by craftsman Jan Rouge, has not been preserved. The author of the current version is the Prague archivist K. J. Erben. The mechanism was assembled in 1866. The decoration of the dial today is another copy of the original work of the artist J. Manes.

Orloi is not just an astronomical clock. In Prague, many legends are associated with him, one of which claims that nothing threatens the people of the Czech Republic while the arrows of Orloi are moving.

From tower to pocket

Over time, astronomical functions have become popular in personal timepieces - in floor, table and even pocket devices.

The unique astronomical clock, created by the serf Ural inventor E. G. Kuznetsov (Zhepinsky) more than 250 years ago, today can be seen in the historical and technical museum "House of the Cherepanovs" (N. Tagil). The front panel, in addition to the dial showing hours and minutes, contains slots for demonstrating the phases of the moon and the position of the sun. The calendar mechanism, in addition to the usual data (date, month, year), shows the Saints - in a separate window the name of the saint corresponding to a certain day is displayed. The watch plays six musical compositions. The theatrical part depicts a blacksmith shop.

The devices of other ingenious Russian mechanics and inventors - I. P. Kulibin, L. S. Nechaev, also cause admiration.

Life's work

Dane Jens Olsen devoted his whole life to his watches. Since childhood, he dreamed of being a watchmaker, and when he saw an astronomical clock in Strasbourg in 1897, he decided to create an equally perfect mechanism. It took the master about 30 years to calculate and draw up drawings. Only in 1943 the necessary money was allocated to him. The project took another 12 years to complete, and, unfortunately, Olsen did not see his watch in metal and glass. He died in 1945, and the work was continued by his student O. Mortensen.

Jens Olsen's watch at the time of launch in December 1955 in the Copenhagen municipality was recognized as the most complex mechanical device on the planet (15448 parts).

In addition to the usual functions, the Olsen watch shows the movement of all known planets (except Pluto), the precession of the earth's axis (turn for 25753) and the starry sky over Denmark, while demonstrating amazing accuracy (0.4 second rate error for 300 years).

time keepers

Do not forget about another function of stellar chronometers - keeping the exact time. Until the twentieth century, this task was assigned to an accurate astronomical clock with a second pendulum. To ensure the uniformity of oscillations, they tried to create ideal conditions:

• constant temperature;
• reduced air pressure;
• elimination or compensation of even minor external mechanical influences.

High accuracy is demonstrated by Short's devices with two pendulums and a limit of daily variation of the stroke up to 0.003 sec. In the fifties of the last century, the Soviet scientist and engineer F. M. Fedchenko managed to reduce this value by an order of magnitude by improving the thermal compensation of the pendulum and developing a new suspension design.

The essence of the invention lies in the fact that the free pendulum is connected to the clock mechanism of the dial only by an electric circuit, which makes it possible to place a sealed cylinder with a pendulum in ideal conditions (deep cellar or thermostatic room), and the chronometer - directly at the place of observation. Fedchenko's electronic-mechanical astronomical clock completed the evolution of pendulum devices.

Atomic standards

Quartz clocks have not received distribution as a reference time sample. Although the accuracy of their course is a few thousandths of a second per day, the quartz crystal is subject to aging, and the error progresses.

Atomic clocks are based on the use of quantum energy levels atoms (molecules) as a source of resonant frequency. The transitions of the "nucleus of an atom - electrons" system from level to level creates a kind of oscillatory circuit. Since 1967, the duration of 9192631770 transitions between the levels of the ground state of the stable cesium-133 isotope has been taken in one second.

Today's atomic clock is a completely autonomous device. Work is underway to miniaturize it. The first batch of wrist atomic clocks has already been released in the USA.

Vika Dee August 31, 2018

From time immemorial people have been attentive keep track of time, take into account when making arrangements, planning affairs. Astronomical and academic hours are often taken into account when controlling time, and the terms are defined at the legislative level for the convenience of citizens of the country.

Information from history

time reckoning based on the duodecimal system used by the Sumerians. Hours have long been divided into minutes. Also take into account the sexagesimal system of calculus. The combination of two systems: duodecimal and sexagesimal determines the convenience of time control.

The ancient Egyptians began to divide the day into 24 hours, which has survived to this day.

The duration of the hour depended on the time of day (day and night), the season. Subsequently, it was decided to divide the day into 2 identical parts: day and night. The timing system changed gradually. For example, in the Middle Ages in European countries, they took into account church services. Variable duration persisted for several centuries, but now the system includes several terms that everyone knows and correctly translates the clock when necessary.

Clock change

In Russia, already in the 16-17 centuries, the duration of the hour was constant. Duration day and night varied according to the time of year. After 1722, the time system became similar to the modern one.

Interpretation of concepts

So, how many minutes are in an astronomical hour? He equals 60 minutes. The indicator is standard for each country.

An academic hour is the duration of one training session in an educational institution. Usually it is 45 minutes.

The following interpretations are defined:

• academic hour- the minimum accounting unit of study time;
• two academic hours form a pair (according to this scheme, training at universities is organized).

You need to remember about the set values ​​\u200b\u200bin order to know how to correctly convert astronomical hours to academic ones.

Features of the astronomical hour

Even a child should know what an astronomical hour is, because modern time reckoning is based on this term.

In this case, an hour is always equal to 60 minutes.

Life circumstances, plans and agreements are tied to the available time, so it is easier to resolve issues if you know how much time. It is better to purchase reliable steel watches, which are accurate and allow you to carefully keep track of time for the proper planning of public, personal affairs.

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astronomical hour is a standard time span, so it is always 60 minutes or 3600 seconds. However, the unit of time is not included in the International System of Units. Despite the fact that the duration of the astronomical hour is standard for the whole world, the value in question does not belong to the decimal number used.

Academic hour data

Academic hours may vary. She always means time interval during which the lesson continues. The value is set for educational institutions, and people of different age groups take into account various indicators.

In kindergartens, teachers always shorten the duration, in schools they use the standard value, in universities they spend couples

For this reason, the translation of two meanings: the academician and the astronomical hour in each situation will be carried out according to a special scheme. This is due to the difference in the concentration of attention, since young children are not able to absorb information for a long time. If you do not take into account the attention of the listeners, children and adolescents will be tired, so they will not be able to absorb educational material in optimal volume. This means that academic hour indicators should be different for educational institutions.

Until 2014, the duration was established by the charter of educational institutions, but was limited 45-50 minutes. Currently, kindergartens, schools, universities independently determine the duration of the hour, focusing on local documents.

couple in universities

Universities traditionally spend couples(two academic hours are combined). This rule is not established at the legislative level.

Academic hour at the university

At the same time, you need to know how long classes last at universities, colleges outside of Russia, the CIS. Traditionally 60 minutes divided into 2 parts with a 15 minute break. It is believed that such a schedule contributes to the easy assimilation of the material for listeners, as they have enough time for rest and recuperation.

Duration of lessons in schools

One lesson in Russian schools lasts differently.

First grade:

• September-December - 35 minutes;
• January-May - 45 minutes.

In other classes, the duration does not exceed 45 minutes. Usually one academic hour is exactly equal to 45 minutes, but sometimes educational institutions set other values ​​​​according to the needs (special documentation is accepted for this).

Kindergartens

For kindergarten students duration of classes will be minimal, with lessons scheduled only for the afternoon after afternoon naps. The duration of the lessons is as follows:

• 3-4 years - 15 minutes;
• 4-5 years - 20 minutes;
• 5-6 years - 25 minutes.

Classes do not last long, as small children need regular breaks for concentration, performance.

Academic hour in kindergarten

In the 21st century, time is considered significant for citizens. Time bound plans, graphics, lesson planning in educational institutions.

Most people are used to astronomical hour, because it is always 60 minutes and allows you to successfully navigate the society. The academic hour is defined only for educational institutions, as it helps to plan lessons and draw up reporting documentation.

town hall tower

Prague chimes show three hour measurements(Central European, Old Bohemian and sidereal time), as well as indicate the zodiacal location of the Sun and Moon. Chimes include astronomical(upper) and calendar(lower) dials. Every hour, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Orloi puts on a small performance in a medieval spirit (see video at the end of the article), and on holidays (in the evening) a light show is arranged here. At this time, in front of the attraction is especially crowded. A comfortable place to watch the clock is a few terraced cafes opposite (convenient, but expensive: the cost of a glass of beer is from 150 kroons).

The astronomical (upper) dial is an astrolabe with a clockwork. It was created by Jan Schindel (professor of mathematics and astronomy, rector of Charles University), and made in 1410 watchmaker Mikulas from Kadani. In 1490, the master Ganush (real name - Jan from Rouge) added a calendar (lower) dial and decorated the facade with Gothic sculptures. Moving figures of the apostles appeared in the 17th century.

A special caretaker was responsible for maintaining the Old Town Clock in working condition. There were long periods when the position could not be found knowledgeable specialist, and then the astronomical clock was left unattended or stopped for an indefinite time. As a rule, the difficulties in repair were associated with a misunderstanding of the design, because there was no written description or operating instructions. For example, during the years 1791-1866. only the clockwork worked, and the astrolabe remained broken.

On May 8, 1945, the Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj), along with the entire Old Town Hall, burned down from an incendiary shell. The restoration took three years. Now they are 3/4 of old, original parts. The mechanism of the Old Town Clock also remained the same (with the exception of minor improvements). Serious changes were made only in decoration and decor.

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According to medieval thinking, any building is susceptible to the adverse influence of supernatural forces, so the astronomical clock in Prague has a lot of security decorative elements. On the conical roof are two mythical basilisks(they have a bird's beak, a crown, two wings and a snake body). The basilisk is a dangerous creature, people, animals and plants can be petrified from its gaze.

The next "guard" of the Old Town Clock - rooster, an ancient symbol of courage and vigilance; he meets the new day and the sun. In legends and fairy tales, at his first singing, spirits and devils run away. The presence of a rooster can be found on almost all medieval large-scale buildings. It is always installed at the top.

Under the rooster is angel- the best possible protection. It is believed that this is the very first sculpture on the Prague Astronomical Clock. To the left and right of the angel are windows from which 12 apostles appear. The Czechs also call them "doctors", since not all of them were the very first 12 apostles of Christ. Faith teachers participate in a theatrical performance, which you can read about here.

The astronomical (upper) dial is clockwork and astrolabe simultaneously (to be more precise: the dial is a derivative of the planispherical astrolabe common at that time, which is set in motion by the clock mechanism). The dial depicts the region of the Sun's movement - it is based on the projection of the sky from the North Pole to the plane of the equator. There are no minute hands.

FROM outside the dial is girded with Arabic numerals, which are made in the Schwabacher font popular in the 15th century and show Old Bohemian time. Next you can see the Roman numerals - they show Central European Time. The arrow for Arabic and Roman numbers is a pointer with a golden hand. Before the advent of the era of technological progress and the beginning of globalization, Prague lived according to Old Bohemian local time. The countdown of the day began at sunset, which means it varied throughout the year. A shot from a cannon announced the approach of noon to the inhabitants of the capital.

Figures for Central European Time have appeared recently. It turns out that the beginning of the Old Czech day is the onset of darkness in modern time. Since it gets dark earlier or later during the year, the circle with the old Czech time moves forward or backward relative to the main part of the dial.

The next element of the Prague Astronomical Clock is again Arabic numerals, although this time there are only 12 of them. They are on a blue background at the top of the dial and indicate daylight hours of a sidereal day. In the sector with the numbers "1" and "12" there are inscriptions in Latin ORTUS (sunrise) and OCCASUS (sunset), and on a dark orange background - AURORA (dawn) and CREPUSCULUM (twilight). The pointer for sidereal days is an arrow with a small asterisk. The night time of a sidereal day is indicated by a dark blue circle in the lower half of the dial.

In the center of the dial is the planet Earth (blue circle), around which the Zodiac ring, showing which constellation the Sun is in. The outer circle of the Zodiac ring is divided into 72 cells, which serve to separate months into days. One cell represents 5 days. The pointer for the Zodiac ring is an arrow with the Sun. There is also an arrow with the Moon, showing its phases depending on the position of the Sun: at night it glows with reflected light, and on a new moon it shows the entire bright half.

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Decor and exterior finish of the Astronomical Dial

Around the dial you can see a circular gallery of sculptures of various animals (some are fictitious). Each has its own meaning, in addition, many of them continue the defensive line of the basilisk-rooster-angel-12 apostles):

• a lion rests on top of the circular gallery. In the kingdom of animals, mythology and symbolism, he always has the meaning of a king and protector. The lion commands respect and is a symbol of valor in an equal and fair fight;
• next to the lion is a dog. She was the first domesticated animal and symbolizes loyalty and vigilance. In the legends, the dog guards treasures. On knightly tombstones, the dog at the feet symbolizes natural death;
• an amazing figure with a snake body and a sharp cone-shaped cap. This is a Phrygian cap - a symbol of the freedom of ancient Rome. By handing it over to a slave, the master granted him freedom. Perhaps the builders conceived it as a symbol of purification and perfection, the transformation of a crawling unclean snake (a symbol of low, sinful and devilish creatures) into a person;
• the guard line is continued by the cat. She also sometimes guards treasures, but is not so reliable. The cat is a companion of magicians and sorcerers, as well as a symbol of independence, cheap and false affection, malice;
• mascarons scare away and drive away dangerous external elements. Such an element, when it flies by and sees that it is already occupied here, is looking for another place. No less fantastic companions of mascarons are gargoyle sculptural gutters that protect the masonry from moisture;
• the sleeping bat is a symbol of the transformed devil who drinks blood and can turn into other animals;
• the toad is a Christian symbol of sin and heretics. They supposedly abide in mud (in lies) and croak their untruth;
• the hedgehog is a nocturnal animal, considered the protector of domestic happiness, but greed, aggressiveness and anger prevail in the character;
• the shapeless face in the east and the goblin in the west emphasize the expressiveness of the warning against the dark forces. Goblin - a symbol of natural, forest and underworld forces;
• below, under the astrolabe, is the devil himself (animal face, alert ears, bulging eyes).

Statues on the sides of the Astronomical dial

• Miser- a miserly man shakes a bag of money (there is a version that there used to be a Jewish moneylender in his place, but his appearance was changed, trying to be politically correct).
• Mage- with the help of a mirror looks beyond the boundaries of the world of sensations. This is considered a noble spiritual pursuit, as opposed to the Miser who is busy accumulating possessions. Some believe that the statue symbolizes Vanity, looking at his face in the mirror.
• Skeleton- a warning that everything around is perishable. Its bell and hourglass emphasize Memento mori.
• Turk- the meaning is not clear. Perhaps a symbol of sin and pleasure. Or perhaps a reminder of the long-term Turkish threat to the entire Austrian Empire.

The lower dial of the Orloi is a calendar. Its original version has not survived, and today tourists watch the dial, which was designed by the poet and Prague archivist Karel Jaromir Erben in the middle of the 19th century based on a 1659 copy. The artwork was done by Josef Manes. Realizing the historical value of the project, he agreed to a very modest fee, and also ignored the superstition that a person who made significant changes to Orloi would not live a long life. In 1866, Manes completed the painting. The next few years of his life, the artist experienced physical pain, depression and mental suffering. In 1871 he died.

The calendar dial of the Prague Astronomical Clock includes internal gold-plated disc with constellations and external copper disk with cells for each day of the year. In order to protect the masterpiece-dial of Manes from the destructive effects of the weather, it was transferred to the Capital Gallery of Prague, and a copy was ordered for Orloy. Ironically, the author of the copy (E. K. Lischka) achieved more payment than Josef Manes received for the original.

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Internal gold-plated disc

The disc depicts the coat of arms of Prague, the signs of the zodiac and a calendar cycle of frescoes on the theme of Czech rural life in the Middle Ages. The frescoes symbolizing the 12 months depict:

• in January, the celebration of the birth of a child, as the onset of the new year;
• in February, the peasant warms his feet by the fire, and the wife brings firewood;
• in March the peasant plows;
• in April - ties up trees;
• in May, a guy decorates a hat, and a girl picks flowers;
• in June they mow the grass;
• wheat is harvested in July;
• in August, grain is threshed;
• in September, the time of sowing winter crops;
• grapes are harvested in October;
• in November, trees are cut down and firewood is harvested;
• in December a piglet is slaughtered.

External copper disk

The disc is divided into 365 cells, in which is recorded tsisioyan - a poetic syllabic calendar, where the days of the holidays of the most important saints are mentioned. The first syllable of the saint's name is written on the corresponding day of the calendar. Not holidays are filled with any syllables (not associated with saints) so that the verses have some meaning.

Qisioyan on an external copper disk

Decor and exterior finish of the Manes Calendar Dial

The surroundings of the calendar are made on the themes of plant motifs and symbols of life. The dial fits all around vine. Wine was considered a divine drink that frees from earthly worries, brings joy, youth and eternal life.

To the right of the dial are a monkey and a phoenix bird. The fire bird was revered by all civilizations as a symbol of eternity, the cycle of renewal and resurrection. In the stone branches, she seems to be talking with a monkey, which in Antiquity was a pet, dexterous and intelligent, but in the Middle Ages it became a symbol of sinfulness, greed and the embodiment of the devil.

Published: October 3, 2011 at 09:00

The concept of "astronomical clock" is one of those that are used extremely freely. Indeed, any clock that shows astronomical data, including time, can be classified as astronomical. Also, they can show the position of the Sun, the Moon, its phase and give other information. Some may show the current zodiac sign or even a rotating map of the stars in the sky. Let's start with perhaps the most famous representative of the astronomical clock, the Prague Astronomical Clock, which is also known as the Prague Eagle.

To say that this clock is astronomical is to say a common truth. Other words that can describe them are sophistication and grace. The first and perhaps most remarkable fact is that they were completed and began their work in 1410, almost 80 years before Columbus's famous voyage to the shores of America.

The first thing that catches your eye is the dial in the center of the watch, showing the positions of the Moon and the Sun. Spectators are also attracted by the moving figures of the apostles and other sculptures that emerge from the clock every hour. On the dial are medallions with the months of the year.

It is said that the inhabitants of Prague took good care of the clock, perhaps this can explain its excellent condition. Over the years, the clock has been restored several times. During the Prague uprising against the Nazis in 1945, a significant part of the clock was damaged in a fire in the town square. It took many years of excruciatingly complex restoration work before the watch became what we see it today.

Lund, Sweden


This clock is located in the Cathedral of Lund in Sweden. It is generally accepted that they were built and launched in 1424, a little later than the Prague Astronomical Clock. However, it was a significant achievement.

They are fully called Horologium mirabile Lundense, and they also needed restoration in order to function smoothly. To this end, in 1827 the clock was stopped and moved from the cathedral. It took almost a hundred years to return them to their rightful place.

Twice a day, a small organ in the clock plays music, and when it sounds, the three wise men with their servants pass by the figures of Jesus and Mary. On the photo you can see how it happens. The spirit freezes at the mere thought that such a mechanism was created in the 15th century.

Two knights on top measure each hour, and the astronomical part of the clock, among other things, shows the phases of the moon. In the lower third is the calendar. According to it, our medieval ancestors learned about the onset of religious holidays. This is possible today. The calendar should change every hundred years, the one that is now expires in 2123. After all, some calendars don't end in 2012.

Strasbourg, France


For centuries, at least three astronomical clocks were located in the Strasbourg Cathedral. The first ones were installed in 1352 and went on for almost two centuries, until in 1547 they were replaced by more advanced ones. The second clock stopped in 1788. The third, which are in the cathedral today, were installed in 1838. They became the embodiment of all the ambitious plans of their creator. Now, if every house had a clock that would have to be changed only twice in 6 hundred years.

Jean Baptiste Schwilgue set about installing the clock we can see today in 1838. He himself was born in 1766 and since childhood dreamed of creating a new clock for the cathedral.

It took him almost 50 years to realize this dream - a lifetime, but that's how long the master studied mechanics, mathematics and watchmaking in order to realize a grandiose plan.

Before starting work, it took him and his team of 30 assistants a year to prepare and think about the plan. But all the work paid off in full, and in less than 5 years the work on the watch was completed. The grand opening and launch of the clock into operation took place in 1842.

Astronomical clock in Olomouc (Czech Republic)


Of course, when this clock was created in 1420, the Czech Republic did not exist. The city was the ancient capital of Moravia (sounds like the name of the heroine of the television series "Dynasty"). An amazing clock is installed on the main city square. Over time, they were rebuilt several times, and now their reconstruction takes place once a century.

AT last days World War II in 1945, retreating under pressure Russian army, fascist troops ended up in Olomouc. In a fit of desperation and irritability, they opened fire on the clock and largely destroyed it - the remnants can be seen in the local museum. In the late 1940s, Czechoslovakia was under the influence former USSR. Of course, the reconstruction of the watch took place with due care and attention. However, the religious and royal figurines that once adorned the watch have been replaced. They were replaced by athletes and workers - representatives of the Soviet ideals of that time.

From afar, the clock looks ancient, as its history suggests. But it is worth getting closer and you can see the figures that remind us of the Soviet regime. In the lower part of the mosaic scenery, representatives of various working classes are depicted.

Astronomical clock in the cathedral of the British city of Wells

So far, we have considered clocks that are either inside or outside the building. One day in the 14th century good people from the city of Wells, in the west of England, they decided that they would build both. Their astronomical clock is located in the cathedral and rises above it.

The clock face inside the cathedral represents a model of the universe (or at least its blueprint). The sun moves in a circle, in the background are the stars. On the 24-hour analog dial, the hands make two circles from one to twelve per day. Great design developed centuries ago.

The clock is also arranged, which are located outside, so that the inhabitants of the city do not have to enter the place of worship in order to find out the exact time.

Astronomical clock in Bern, Switzerland


Although Switzerland is more famous for its clock with a particular bird that lays its eggs in other nests, Bern's most recognizable landmark is the Zytglogge clock tower.

The tower itself was built in the thirteenth century, and in the fifteenth century an astronomical clock appeared on it. The dial is in the shape of an astrolabe, which used to be an instrument for determining the position of the Sun, Moon, planets and stars. Knowing the latitude, you can determine the local time - and vice versa.


The dial itself is beautifully painted. Like all other watches in our collection, it has undergone significant renovation over the centuries. Switzerland did not take part in any of the major European conflicts of the twentieth century, however, time has its own rules.


Due to the fact that due attention was paid to the clock, it has been preserved in perfect condition. If you are not sure what the meaning of each part is, perhaps this photo will help you.

Cremona, Italy

Whether or not this clock is better preserved is debatable, but the fact is that it is the largest astronomical clock in the world. And they are in Cremona, in Italy. In addition, they are located on the second largest red brick bell tower in the world. The tower itself dates from the early thirteenth century, but proud locals often boast that its construction began in the eighth. It is true that thanks to her, archaeologists have discovered more ancient Roman ruins.

The clock itself was built by father and son Francesco and Giovanni Battista di Vizioli. Usually for many astronomical clocks they show the zodiacal constellations with the Sun breaking through them.

So, we have talked about some of the most remarkable astronomical clocks in the world. We apologize if we missed your favorite watch. If there are, please let us know in the comments section below.