Keeping Time in Space

Most recent answer: 03/03/2014

Q:
How can astronomers keep time, even though pendulum clock cannot be used in space.
- Ambuj Shukla (age 13)
Lucknow, U.P, India
A:

Hello Ambuj,

As you point out, one can't use a pendulum clock in space because there is no constant gravitational force.  However, there are many ways to keep time, a pendulum clock on Earth is only one of many.   All you need is a steady oscillator and a method of counting the beats. One can use any regular time keeper, the most obvious is a quartz crystal watch.   I recommend looking at  for more information.

 

LeeH


(published on 03/03/2014)