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
- 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)