What is the Stephen Hawking clock?

What is the Stephen Hawking clock?

A £1m clock called the “time eater” has been unveiled at Cambridge University by Professor Stephen Hawking. The author of A Brief History of Time was guest of honour when the unique clock, which has no hands or numbers, was revealed at Corpus Christi College.

Why is the Corpus Clock famous?

The Corpus clock is believed to be the largest grasshopper escapement of any clock in the world. The escapement wheel is made from a single sheet of steel, plated in gold, created by a series of explosions in a vacuum. The radiating ripples that this creates allude to the Big Bang.

Is Chronophage real?

The chronophage clock is one of only four in the world. A marvel of science and art, it features the historic grasshopper escapement invented by British clockmaker John Harrison in 1722. Harrison’s escapement helped create marine timekeepers that remained accurate in spite of tossing.

What animal is on the Corpus Clock?

The Corpus Clock’s Chronophage And just in case you might have wondered; the animal on top of the clock is a Grasshopper. Or as the local students call it: Rosalind, the Hopsy.

What is the clock with the grasshopper message?

Atop the clock, the blinking, tail-wagging grasshopper (or “chronophage,” meaning “time eater”) perpetually advances the perimeter of the 4-foot-wide round dial, devouring minutes in its snapping jaws to remind viewers that time is fleeting.

Who invented the Corpus Clock?

Dr John C Taylor OBE FREng
It was invented, designed and given to Corpus Christi College by Dr John C Taylor OBE FREng (m1959), who worked with local engineering company Huxley Bertram in constructing the Clock.

How old is the Corpus clock?

It was conceived and funded by John C. Taylor, an old member of the college. It was officially unveiled to the public on 19 September 2008 by Cambridge physicist Stephen Hawking. The clock was named one of Time’s Best Inventions of 2008.

What animal is on the Corpus clock?

Who invented the Corpus clock?

How do you read the Corpus Clock?

The Corpus Clock has no hands or digital numbers and thus at first it appears difficult to tell the time. However, look carefully and there are 3 rings of LEDs, which reading from the innermost ring show hours, minutes and seconds.

When was the Corpus Clock made?

2008
The Corpus Clock is one of the most distinctive public monuments in Cambridge and has been admired by residents and tourists since its inauguration in 2008. It is an unusual device for the measurement of time being both hypnotically beautiful and deeply disturbing.

Where is the Corpus Clock in Cambridge?

The Corpus Clock is a large sculptural clock at street level on the outside of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, in the United Kingdom, at the junction of Bene’t Street and Trumpington Street, looking out over King’s Parade.

What is the name of the clock in Cambridge University?

The Corpus Clock, also known as the Grasshopper clock, is a large sculptural clock at street level on the outside of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, in the United Kingdom, at the junction of Bene’t Street and Trumpington Street, looking out over King’s Parade.

What is the Corpus Clock and who invented it?

Renowned scientist Stephen Hawking unveiled this remarkable clock, known as the Corpus Clock. The machine has been invented by and designed by Dr John Taylor for Corpus Christi College Cambridge for the exterior of the college’s new library building.

Who is the custodian of the Corpus Clock?

The graticule, or measuring dish, for the Corpus Clock was designed and created by Alan Meeks of Visitech Design. It was machined in aluminium and silver before being plated with gold and rhodium. Matters relating to the Corpus Clock are dealt with by the Custodian of the Corpus Chronophage Clock, a post currently held by Dr Ewan St. John Smith.

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