So here's my next idea..
Set up a 24 hour movement (no minute hand) so that you have the sun moving around the dial: at the top at solar noon, with the rate being reasonably constant around the dial(e.g. using the solar clock algorithms developed)
Then, have two other pointers or sectored disks on the face to indicate sunrise and sunset time. I haven't figured out the mechanical aspects, but maybe a small motor driving the edge of a clear plastic disk. (or if there were a good cheapish source for multi axis pointer systems).
One could also add a moon pointer (and all the rest of the planets too). Sort of a geocentric Orrery. The planets would need to be able run in both directions to accommodate retrograde apparent motion.
It would be easy with laser pointers or light beams and stepper motors driving a tilted mirror to project moving dots on the wall, but a more mechanical display would look nicer, I think.
Once the mechanical aspect is figured out, the software should be fairly straightforward to drive whatever motors there are.
(After noticing Saturn this morning when I went to go get the paper before dawn)
_______________________________________________ time-nuts mailing list -- [email protected] To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
