Tell Time and Predict the Heavens with this Astronomical Timepiece
If you’re looking for a new project or want to appreciate some mechanical ingenuity, illusionmanager’s Astronomical Clock might be just what you need. This clock does more than just tell the time; it also displays the positions of the planets in our solar system, the times of sunrise and sunset, the phases of the moon, and even predicts solar and lunar eclipses.
One might expect that such a device would require a complex array of custom gears to function. However, illusionmanager has designed the Astronomical Clock to use a series of tabs on movable rings that interact with one another to accurately position each element. This clever design demonstrates that intricate results can be achieved without a multitude of gears. It’s reminiscent of the astrolabe, an ancient astronomical instrument that operated with only a few moving parts.
The clock’s mechanical components are driven by a single stepper motor, and the only gear present is the one connecting the motor shaft to the rest of the mechanism. An ESP32-C3 microcontroller manages all operations, updating the positions of each element daily and displaying the correct time on a large dial at the base.
This project is a brilliant example of how modern technology can be integrated with traditional mechanical design to create something both functional and beautiful. Whether you’re inspired to build your own or simply admire the craftsmanship, illusionmanager’s Astronomical Clock is sure to impress.
Read more: Tell Time and Predict the Heavens with this Astronomical Timepiece
