Setting a Lunar Grandfather Clock
Some grandfather clocks feature a lunar dial that illustrates the current phase of the moon. Like the hands of the clock, the lunar dial is powered by the pendulum. You will need to set the lunar and time displays if the pendulum stops or if you move the clock to a new location. You will need to know the current phase of the moon and whether it is waxing, moving towards a full moon, or waning, shrinking toward a new moon. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Go to the website of the U.S. Naval Observatory or Calculator Cat (see Resources) to find the current phase of the moon. Note whether the moon is waxing or waning.
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2
Open the door protecting the face of the clock and the lunar dial. Slowly turn the lunar display to show the current phase of the moon: the moon should be rising from the horizon if it is waxing or disappearing into the horizon if it is waning. Full moon is in the middle of the display.
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3
Advance the hour hand of the clock carefully until the correct time is shown. Never move the hand past "12," 3," "6," or "9;" as the clock must be allowed to chime under its own momentum. The clock should not be moved backward or you risk damaging the movement.
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4
Gently set the pendulum swinging and close the door protecting the face of the clock. The clock will keep track of the phase of the moon until the pendulum next stops.
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