a Friday meme hosted by James of Newtown Area Photo.
The theme of my post today is about a scientific instrument that demonstrates the Earth’s rotation. The Foucault Pendulum at the Griffith Observatory is one of the largest in the world. It has been a favorite attraction since its opening in 1935.
The reflection on the pendulum is the Hugo Ballin murals. These have been carefully and completely restored so that they appear as they did when first painted by muralist, film producer, and author Hugo Ballin (1879-1956) in 1934-1935. Please the details of the murals, below.
It is a 240-pound brass ball, suspended by a cable 40 feet long. It swings in a constant direction while the Earth turns beneath it.
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.
The pendulum is mounted to a bearing in the rotunda ceiling that does not turn with the building as it rotates with the Earth.
Medieval cathedrals told stories in stone. The Ballin ceiling mural celebrates classical celestial mythology, with images of Atlas, the four winds, the planets as gods, and the twelve constellations of the zodiac.
I am definitely not a science teacher, but the information was taken from the Griffith Observatory website.
For more reflection photos, please visit or join us here!
carolynUSA
December 18th, 2009
This post is outstanding. Not only is the reflection perfect but you included brilliant photographs and text to create understanding. This is so good!
carolynUSA´s last blog ..Weekend Reflections / Puddles After the Rain
James
December 18th, 2009
Excellent photos and a very nice post. This is a plce that I want to see but I have never been. Great reflections and I must say again what a really good post this is.
I’m looking forward to a snowy weekend.
James´s last blog ..Salzburg Underwater World (Weekend Reflections #13) 
Carol
December 18th, 2009
What an interesting post…great photos and I enjoyed the info…
Carol´s last blog ..Weekend Reflections 
Bonjour Luxembourg
December 18th, 2009
This post is so informative and you took fabulous pictures!
I didn’t know about this Pendulum, very impressive!
Happy weekend reflections
Léia
Riet
December 18th, 2009
What a beautiful post and photo’s Ebie. I learn so much on this WWW and this is so interesting
Riet´s last blog ..Weekend Reflections.
Maria
December 18th, 2009
A really interesting post and nice pictures, the mural in the cieling is beautiful.
My reflection
Maria´s last blog ..365: Fjäder eller fjädrar/Feather or feathers
Vogon Poet
December 18th, 2009
A set of quite unusual and interesting images!
Barb
December 18th, 2009
Oh, Ebie – the picture of the ring magnet is perfect! Of course,the Pendulum itself and those murals are glorious. Thanks for showing and teaching me something new!
Barb´s last blog ..New Snow and Ski Touring
John McDevitt
December 18th, 2009
Thanks for these fine photos and words Ebie. They triggered fond memories for me. The Franklin Institute in Phila. has one of these. I practically lived in that wonderful place when I was a kid.
John McDevitt´s last blog ..Reflections: Christmas Shopping — Saigon (1966)
Happily Retired Gal
December 18th, 2009
Wonderful post about a fascinating place to visit illustrated with marvelous photographs! Thanks for sharing
Hugs and blessings,
Happily Retired Gal´s last blog ..Beach Sunsets Reflected in Windows
Thom
December 18th, 2009
You always do so well with these. I love them and the story that goes with them. Well done my friend
Thom´s last blog ..Weekend Reflections – #13 
Stine in Ontario
December 18th, 2009
Nocely done. I enjoyed reading the post and looking at the photos that accompany the words.
Stine in Ontario´s last blog ..
Gep
December 18th, 2009
The ceiling is beautiful!!
Crafty Green poet
December 18th, 2009
what an interesting post, the photos are wonderful too
Crafty Green poet´s last blog ..Black headed gulls at Moses Gate
Diane AZ
December 18th, 2009
Your photos are gorgeous! I lived in Southern California for 35 years, but was not aware of the pendulum or those murals at Griffith Observatory. I’m learning a lot about that place from your blog.
Diane AZ´s last blog ..Santa’s Big Adventure 
Julie
December 18th, 2009
Ooo I would love to visit that in person. Your explanation was terrific as are your photographs. Thank you ever so much for going to all the effort that I simply know was required. I am indebted to you.
May you have an enjoyable next two weeks.
Julie´s last blog ..A Sydney Christmas – Seventh Day (Reflections)
Sistertex
December 18th, 2009
Wow…now isn’t that cool!
Anya
December 18th, 2009
Its very diffecult to leave a comment here
But I have find it hehehehehe….
(I think I need glasses!!)
Amazing and very special reflections today.
and interesting to read tour post !!
Have a relaxing weekend Ebie
(@^.^@)
Anya´s last blog ..Our Xmas tree
Malyss
December 19th, 2009
Even without the title I was thinking about the book of Umberto Eco!Also about the Da Vinci Code! Two stories with mysteries of the History. To see that in your pictures is really amazing. Thank you for sharing!
Malyss´s last blog ..NEIGE! / SNOW!
VioletSky
December 19th, 2009
As everyone else has already, these are excellent photos.
It all looks so slightly mysterious.
VioletSky´s last blog ..
cieldequimper
December 19th, 2009
I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed stopping by your blog. This is a wonderful post as usual!
cieldequimper´s last blog ..Weekend Reflections: lumières dans les fenêtres
LisaNewton
December 19th, 2009
You know, I haven’t been to the Griffith Observatory yet, so thanks for sharing these photos.
I have seen the pendulum at the Smithsonian numerous times and it’s interesting to watch. Time almost stands still as you watch the ball go back and forth.
LisaNewton´s last blog ..The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
Quasi Serendipita
December 19th, 2009
Great post. And some lovely, unusual reflections!
Quasi Serendipita´s last blog ..Home reflections
Rosidah Abidin
December 19th, 2009
Oh my goodness! These are remarkable shots, Ebie. I always enjoy seeing your photos. Have a wonderful weekend, my dear
Rosidah Abidin´s last blog ..My Son’s Weekend Reflections 
Halcyon
December 19th, 2009
I have seen the pendulum in Paris, but I think this one is bigger. Wonderful idea for the reflection day and great text too!
Halcyon´s last blog ..Reflections from Birmingham
nance
December 19th, 2009
You did it again, Ebie! an excellent, very interesting and informative post, i enjoyed learning about the pendulum and seeing that Ballin ceiling mural is a treat!
nance´s last blog ..Winter Concert 2009 
Tammie
December 19th, 2009
Ebie,
your photos are gorgeous. I will be visiting this place next week with my son! What timing you have. Happy Holidays to you!
Tammie´s last blog ..Whitefish Review, literary journal
AL
December 19th, 2009
Hi Ebie, I hope you’re feeling better now. I too, had been catching up with all posts…I don’t feel well either, almost everyone has been sick here, due to change of weather. Be well my friend and Merry Christmas to you and Zee.
AL
AL´s last blog ..Camera Critters #89 – Fisherdog
MsRay
December 19th, 2009
A very educational post. Thanks for the information and the beautiful pictures. Someday…soon… you’ll bring me to this place
MsRay´s last blog ..A Weekend Full of Blessings 
betchai
December 20th, 2009
my niece was very curious and asked a lot of questions when we were here last summer, in fact, she even asked to go back again and is planning to go back there again when she spends her summer vacation in SoCal again. great photos Ebie, and thanks for also sharing information.
betchai´s last blog ..K Ka-Boom at Kelso Sand Dunes
chubskulit
December 20th, 2009
I got lost hahaha di ko bunasa yung note mo sa taas about commenting lol. I love these shots sis. Merry Christmas!
chubskulit´s last blog ..Fun in the Snow Part 1
ann chin
December 20th, 2009
I am no science minded person as well, and usually I would not go to an observatory. Thanks for the lesson.
Merry Christmas
ann chin´s last blog ..Weekend reflections: mirrored wash basins
Regina
December 20th, 2009
Wow this is awesome! Thanks for the tour.
Merry Christmas Ebie.
Cheers!
Regina´s last blog ..Pink Saturday. Merry Christmas!
Lorna
December 21st, 2009
Hi Ebie! You’re pictures are magnificent! Just stopping by to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. Talk to you again in 2010!
Lorna´s last blog ..Christmas in the Dining Room
SquirrelQueen
December 21st, 2009
Wonderful photos Ebie and great information. I love your shots of the pendulum, that is cool. I so want to visit the observatory but for now I will enjoy it through your great tours.
Judy
SquirrelQueen´s last blog ..With a Touch of Gold – Macro Monday
Mama Zen
December 21st, 2009
These pictures are amazing!
Mama Zen´s last blog ..I’m Ready For My Close Up!
Katz (And Other) Tales
December 21st, 2009
Wishing you and Twylah a Merry Christmas filled with nip and other goodies!
Bonnie Bonsai
December 22nd, 2009
Very interesting post Ebie, as ever!
I saw similar concept here with the same principle only in the form of a dish….
Such a quantum leap to science. You will make a good teacher. Wanna shift career? Wink.
Get well soon Madam.
Bonnie Bonsai´s last blog ..Something Old, Something Red
Anya
December 22nd, 2009
Hi Ebie
Merry Christmas
and a happy & healthy 2010
for you and your whole family
hugs
Kareltje =^.^=
Anya
Stephany
December 22nd, 2009
These are marvelous, Ebie! I would love to see the pendulum in person some time.
I hope you and your family have a great Christmas!
Stephany´s last blog ..Castle in the Snow
julie
December 24th, 2009
I have a book entitled Foucault’s Pendulum by Umberto Eco which I read a long time ago. I didn’t know there is a place like this. Galing!
julie´s last blog ..Merry Christmas! 
amanda moore
December 30th, 2009
Science teacher or not this was another amazing post! I am believe it or not trying to catch up here LOL! Did you get your car back? I hope so! I am going to go look at your other posts now sweetie bye!!!
amanda moore´s last blog ..Macro Monday: Christmas leftovers?