ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK
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Astronomical clock with the central dial showing the time, and other dials showing the position of the planets or stars.
While the visit is free, it would be a shame to miss out on the new system that showcases this masterpiece! The 12-meter-high astronomical clock, with its 68 automatons and 52 dials, is an imposing sight, providing the measure of time in the universe, as well as a representation of the main astronomical phenomena, including the solar cycle, the golden ratio, the epactes, the Sunday letters, the Roman indiction, the solar equation... This jewel of horology was restored in 2015, for its 150th anniversary. You can now better understand its workings and secrets thanks to a 35-minute animation. An audioguide explains the movement of the automata or dials in real time, while your eyes are guided by a play of light and video screens (with close-up views to see the details). As you follow the automata, you soon forget you're looking at a clock... The superb machine is staged around the theme of the Last Judgement. Then it's time to admire the dials. The central 24-hour clock is 52 minutes off your watch: you'll find out more during your visit. The other dials show the position of the planets or the stars in Beauvais and the antipodes... Right next door, you'll find another clock, less majestic but just as rare: the carillon clock dates back to the 14th century, and is the oldest of its kind still in operation. It's built into the stone of the building!
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