Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #royalobservatory
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The #TimesSquare ball that's lowered each #NewYear is made of 2688 Waterford Crystal triangles. Crystal is made of minerals such as #silica, #potash and lead. It's frame is made of aluminum. There have been 7 different balls since 1907. The 1st was made of #iron and wood.
#nspoli
#nspoli
Dropping a ball to mark time started in 1833 in #Greenwich, #England, at the #RoyalObservatory. A ball was lowered each day at 1 pm so nearby ships could set their chronometers (a navigational instrument).
#nspoli #novascotia #ns
#nspoli #novascotia #ns
About 150 balls were used around the world after the success at #Greenwich, but few still work. #CitadelHill’s noon cannon served a similar purpose – it kept the military running on time and allowed ships to set their chronometers.
#nspoli #novascotia #ns
#nspoli #novascotia #ns
