This Clock Shows the Phases of the Moon!
Like the Moon, this astronomical clock moves very slowly. It takes 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes for the moon sphere to show all its phases, which is exactly the average time from one New Moon to the next.
How is that possible?
Inside the Moon Clock, a half-white, half-black sphere turns very slowly, driven by a special clockwork mechanism so that it continuously displays the current phase of the Moon. It does this minute to minute, from the first delicate Crescent Moon, to the waxing Half Moon, to the Full Moon, and then back to the New Moon. The representation of the phases is as accurate as the Moon itself, because the always half illuminated Moon behaves the same way in its interaction with the Sun.
Although AstroMedia's Moon Clock has historical precedents in the large astronomical clocks of the Middle Ages, it is probably the first and only wall and table clock in the world to show the changing phases of the Moon in this way. Assembling this cardboard kit with a special clockwork mechanism is straightforward and quickly produces a very elegant result.
Pre-cut cardboard kit for a precision astronomical clock that shows the current phase and age of the Moon
This kit contains:
- 3 pre-cut and printed A4 sheets of construction cardboard
- 1 printed A4 sheet of construction cardboard for cutting out
- 1 special clock movement, 56 x 56 x 16 mm, rotation in 29.53 days, incl. washer (metal), rubber washer and nut (metal)
- 2 EVA hemispheres, Ø 40 mm x 20 mm, 1 black and 1 white (moon hemispheres)
- 3 wooden toothpicks, Ø 2 mm x 80 mm (extension of the moon shaft)
- 1 cardboard drinking straw, Ø 6 mm x 140 mm (reducing sleeve)
- Detailed assembly instructions
Not included: 1 AA battery
Features: 1 rotation in 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes
Dimensions of the built item: approx. 12 x 7.5 x 14.5 cm
Construction time: approx. 4 hours
Producer: AstroMedia GmbH, Im Wirrigen 30, 45731 Waltrop, Germany, astromedia.de
Below you can download the instructions for this kit.
Things you need for assembly or which might be helpful:
- a firm, flat work surface with a cutting mat
- a sharp knife or scalpel
- a bone folder or small spoon for smoothing the fold lines
- a good all-purpose adhesive containing solvents Some adhesive tape
- a sharp pencil
- a black felt-tip pen
- a ruler or set square Combination pliers or spanner, 11 mm
- optional: gold touch-up pen
Adult supervision:
Children under 14 years of age should use the kit under adult supervision to avoid risks from improper handling.
Caution with small parts:
Choking hazard! Keep small parts out of the reach of small children.
Risk of injury:
Take special care when handling pointed and sharp parts! Use sharp tools with caution and take appropriate safety measures to avoid injury.
Fire hazard:
Keep away from open flames and sources of heat. Product contains highly flammable materials.
Components of the kit may release harmful substances when burned.
Use of adhesive:
When using adhesive, follow the manufacturer's safety instructions. Work in well-ventilated areas and avoid contact with skin or eyes.
Use of batteries:
Keep batteries (not included) away from children. Do not dispose of used batteries in household waste.
Intended use:
The kit should be used in accordance with the enclosed instructions. Independent modifications may impair the functionality and safety of the assembled model.
CE certificate for the clockwork
