PERMANENT EXHIBITION
Herzstein Foucault Pendulum
The Foucault Pendulum: Unveiling Earth’s Rotation
A Captivating Demonstration of Science and Motion
The Foucault Pendulum is a visual demonstration of the Earth’s rotation. Named after Jean Bernard Leon Foucault, the French physicist who invented it, the Foucault Pendulum was first exhibited in 1851 at the World’s Fair in Paris
Throughout the day, the direction of the pendulum’s swing appears to change. Actually, Earth is turning under the pendulum as it swings. At Houston’s latitude (30° N.) the pendulum will precess through 180° or halfway around each day. During this time, it will knock down all of the pins.
The time required for the pendulum to complete its swing is a function of its length. Swinging from a cable over 60 feet long, the pendulum’s period is just over 7 seconds. The pendulum receives the energy needed to keep swinging from a magnet surrounding the cable at its top. As the pendulum reaches the middle of its swing, it closes a circuit that activates the electromagnet. The magnet pulls the cable away from the center position. The pendulum keeps on swinging as the world turns below.
Throughout the day, the direction of the pendulum’s swing appears to change. Actually, Earth is turning under the pendulum as it swings. At Houston’s latitude (30° N.) the pendulum will precess through 180° or halfway around each day. During this time, it will knock down all of the pins.
The time required for the pendulum to complete its swing is a function of its length. Swinging from a cable over 60 feet long, the pendulum’s period is just over 7 seconds. The pendulum receives the energy needed to keep swinging from a magnet surrounding the cable at its top. As the pendulum reaches the middle of its swing, it closes a circuit that activates the electromagnet. The magnet pulls the cable away from the center position. The pendulum keeps on swinging as the world turns below.
Open Today: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Plan a Visit Adults $25, Children $16
See Admission Located in Level 1
See Accessibility Please Note:
Admission price includes access to all HMNS Permanent Exhibit Halls except certain Special Exhibitions and the Brown Hall of Entomology. Access to the Brown Hall of Entomology is included with admission to the Cockrell Butterfly Center.
Admission to the Permanent Exhibits is FREE Tuesday evenings from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Members: HMNS Permanent Exhibits are always free!
Admission to the Permanent Exhibits is FREE Tuesday evenings from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Members: HMNS Permanent Exhibits are always free!
Exhibition Highlights
Earth’s Rotation
The Pendulum’s Dance: A Timeless Marvel
From above, the Herzstein Foucault Pendulum is a marvel. Invented in 1851 by French physicist Léon Foucault, it was the first simple proof of Earth’s rotation. A swinging testament to human curiosity, it’s as much a piece of history as it is science.
Elegant Motion
A Perspective on Rotation
From the floor, the Foucault Pendulum’s swing is a mesmerizing dance. It’s not just a pendulum; it’s a live demonstration of Earth’s rotation. As it swings, it rotates, and that rotation is a mirror of our planet’s own twirl. A simple wire and weight, yet a universe of discovery.