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Pendulum-Room at the Bottom of the Harton Coal-Pit, 1854. Creator: Unknown
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Pendulum-Room at the Bottom of the Harton Coal-Pit, 1854. Creator: Unknown
Pendulum-Room at the Bottom of the Harton Coal-Pit, 1854. Experiment to determine the weight of the Earth. The apparatus consists of two astronomical clocks with compensation pendulums, two invariable pendulums (Kater's) suspended...immediately in front of the clock pendulums. An astronomical clock, and an invariable pendulum were placed at each station with barometer and thermometer attached, which were regularly observed, so that the necessary corrections might be made for atmospheric resistance, variations of temperature, &c. There was also at each station a galvanic-signal-needle...connected by...insulated wires, placing the observers in electric communication. The upper and lower stations...were exactly in a vertical line, and distant nearly a quarter of a mile; and at each station the instruments were carefully enclosed to prevent the vibrations of the pendulums being affected by currents of air'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854
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Astronomical Clock Clock Coal Industry Coal Mine Coal Mining Coalmine Colliery Equipment Experiment Gravity Industrial Revolution Manufacturing Physics Sir George Biddell Airy Time Timepiece Vibration Weight George Biddell Airy
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled 'Pendulum-Room at the Bottom of the Harton Coal-Pit, 1854,' showcases an extraordinary scientific experiment aimed at determining the weight of the Earth. The image, taken from the 'Illustrated London News' of that year, depicts a room deep within the Harton Coal-Mine, where two astronomical clocks with compensation pendulums and two invariable pendulums (Kater's) are suspended. The invariable pendulums are positioned directly in front of the clock pendulums. At each station, an astronomical clock, an invariable pendulum, a barometer, and a thermometer were installed. These instruments were meticulously observed to make necessary corrections for atmospheric resistance, temperature variations, and other potential interferences. Moreover, at each station, a galvanic-signal-needle was connected via insulated wires, enabling the observers to maintain electric communication. The upper and lower stations were precisely aligned in a vertical line, with a distance of nearly a quarter of a mile separating them. The instruments at each station were carefully enclosed to prevent the vibrations of the pendulums from being influenced by currents of air. This groundbreaking experiment, which took place in 1854, represents an early attempt to measure the Earth's weight using pendulums, and showcases the ingenuity and determination of scientists in the pursuit of knowledge.
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