The Astronomical Clock, located in the Old Town Square of Prague, is not just a timekeeping device but also a stunning piece of art and engineering. Dating back to the 15th century, this medieval marvel attracts tourists from around the world who come to witness its intricate mechanisms in action and decipher its time-telling system.
The Main Dial
At first glance, the Astronomical Clock may seem overwhelming with its array of dials and moving parts. However, understanding how to tell the time on it is simpler than you might think.
The main dial of the Astronomical Clock displays two different types of time – Old Czech Time and Central European Time. The Old Czech Time is a historical concept that divides the day into 24 hours, starting at sunset. On the other hand, Central European Time follows the standard 24-hour clock that we are familiar with today.
To read Old Czech Time:
- Hour Hand: The hour hand on the main dial indicates Old Czech Time. It moves counterclockwise and points to one of twelve zodiac signs representing each hour.
- Zodiac Circle: Surrounding the hour hand is a zodiac circle that depicts each zodiac sign. To determine which sign corresponds to the current hour, simply find where the hour hand points.
To read Central European Time:
- Minute Hand: The minute hand on the main dial indicates Central European Time. It moves clockwise and points to one of sixty divisions or minute markers around the edge of the dial.
The Upper Dial
Above the main dial, you will find a smaller dial that displays the position of the Sun and the Moon in the sky. This dial helps track the movement of celestial bodies throughout the day.
The Sun:
- Golden Hand: The golden hand on the upper dial represents the position of the Sun. It moves counterclockwise along a circular scale, indicating the time of sunrise and sunset.
The Moon:
- Blue Hand: The blue hand on the upper dial represents the position of the Moon. It also moves counterclockwise and shows the current phase of the Moon.
The Calendar Dial
Beneath the main and upper dials, you will notice a rectangular calendar dial with various numbers and symbols. This dial provides additional information about religious holidays, equinoxes, and other important dates.
The Outer Ring:
The outer ring of the calendar dial displays various zodiac signs, representing each month of the year. These signs help determine astrological predictions and correspond to specific dates in both Old Czech Time and Central European Time.
The Inner Circle:
Inscribed within the outer ring is an inner circle containing Roman numerals. These numerals represent each day of the month and are accompanied by different symbols indicating religious holidays or astronomical events.
Witnessing The Show
The Astronomical Clock puts on a fascinating display every hour when all its mechanisms come to life. Visitors gather to watch as figures representing Vanity, Greed, Death, and an Astronomer appear on small windows above the main dial.
This captivating performance attracts crowds eager to witness this unique blend of artistry and timekeeping. If you find yourself in Prague, make sure to take the time to visit the Astronomical Clock and experience its enchanting show.
Now that you know how to tell the time on the Astronomical Clock, unraveling its mysteries becomes an engaging adventure. So, head to Prague and embark on a journey through history and culture as you decipher the time-telling secrets of this extraordinary landmark.