Astronomical clock, Prague

Dating back to 1410, the Astronomical Clock in Prague is one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world and the oldest one still operating. Every hour, there is a clockwork display called "The Walk of the Apostles", where statues of Apostles and other figures including Death appear followed by the clock chiming the hour.

One of the interesting features of the clock is the 24-hour face with present day time and Old Czech Time on the outer ring. This ring moves each day with 24 indicating the sunset.

Zodiac symbols appear on the astronomical dial (top) and calendar (below).  

In the above photo, taken at 13:49 on 27 March 2019, the clock shows the Sun has recently exited from Pisces into Aries, the Moon is near the Last Quarter phase, and the hour hand is approaching two in the afternoon.   

More info on all the features of the clock is available on Wikipedia.

Video playlists

Over the years we have featured many videos on the MuzGadgets blog.

Here are all the YouTube videos in a playlist for your convenience:

Vertical Sundials at Prague Observatory

There is not usually much to see at an observatory during the day, but the Prague Observatory has these sundials outside.

Can you tell what time it was?

An analemma. This plots the position of the sun in the sky at the same time of the day for each day of the year.
Usually, an analemmatic sundial is horizontal and has a movable vertical gnomon, so I am not sure how this one works. 

26 March 2019 13:07:53

26 March 2019 13:08:01

26 March 2019 13:08:21

Spy gadgets at the KGB Museum

On our recent trip to Prague, we visited the KGB Muzeum.

The Russian owner gave a very dramatic tour presentation of their collection of weapons, cameras, and other spy items. He dramatically illustrated how agents would use a cigarette case gun or a knife that propelled blades. 

The KGB Muzeum is next to a Kwik-E-Mart which sells cannabis products 

Mini cameras

More cameras

Communication devices

Concealed knife

A tiny pistol