Foucault's Pendulum: Unraveling the Mysteries of Rotation and Time

A History of Scientific Ingenuity

Foucault's pendulum, a creation of the renowned physicist Jean Foucault, has played a pivotal role in our understanding of Earth's rotation and the principles of time.

A Dazzling Demonstration

When suspended from a high point, Foucault's pendulum traces an elliptical pattern that gradually rotates over time. This mesmerizing phenomenon vividly demonstrates the Coriolis effect—the apparent deflection of moving objects due to Earth's rotation—and the passage of time relative to a fixed point in space.

A New Era of Scientific Discovery

The Deutsche Museum in Munich is set to unveil a refurbished Foucault's pendulum in July 2022, after completing extensive modernization efforts. This updated version will captivate visitors with its enhanced capabilities and provide a tangible glimpse into the ongoing legacy of scientific exploration.

Accessible Education

For those eager to delve deeper into the fascinating world of Foucault's pendulum, Karlheinz Meier of the University of Heidelberg has created a series of lucid videos that delve into the scientific principles underlying its remarkable motion. These resources offer an invaluable opportunity to grasp the intricacies of this iconic scientific instrument.