Inauguration of Foucault Pendulum in India's New Parliament Building
A Symbolic Significance
The Foucault Pendulum, recently inaugurated in India's new Parliament building, carries a profound symbolic significance. Suspended from the central foyer ceiling, the pendulum rotates on its axis, serving as a representation of the fusion between the concept of the nation, India, and the grandeur of the cosmos.
Design and Specifications
Designed by the National Council of Science Museum (NCSM) in Kolkata, the Foucault Pendulum is an impressive creation, weighing 36 kg and measuring 22 meters in length. It stands as the largest of its kind in India, showcasing the country's commitment to scientific endeavors.
The installation features a circular structure on the ground, facilitating the pendulum's movement. A surrounding grill allows visitors to observe and appreciate the pendulum's captivating motion. At the height of the Parliament building, the pendulum completes a full rotation in a precise timeframe of 49 hours, 59 minutes, and 18 seconds, as indicated by the details provided at the installation.
Understanding Foucault's Pendulum
Named after the 19th-century French scientist Leon Foucault, the Foucault Pendulum is a straightforward experiment that demonstrates the Earth's rotation on its axis. Foucault conducted the experiment in 1851, offering the first tangible evidence of our planet's rotational movement.
The experiment involves a heavy object suspended from above with a string, allowing it to swing freely in any direction. As the Earth rotates beneath it, the pendulum's path appears to shift, providing visual confirmation of the planet's rotation.
The Significance of the Pendulum's Installation
Arijit Dutta Chaudhary, the Director General of NSCM, expressed pride in the National Council of Science Museum's contribution to the development of the new Parliament building. He highlighted that the Foucault Pendulum itself is not a novel concept, with the first installation dating back to 1991 at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune. The team encountered initial challenges with the fittings during the installation, which were subsequently resolved. The pendulum installed in the new Parliament building boasts a fresh and innovative design, adding to the building's allure.
The Foucault Pendulum stands as a remarkable testament to the fusion of science, architecture, and symbolism, reminding us of the dynamic nature of our planet and the limitless wonders of the cosmos.
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