6.9K views · 256 reactions | While the Earth  rotates underneath, the orientation of the #pendulum changes. First used in 1851, Foucault's pendulum was the first simple, direct way to observe Earth's rotation. : Fin Draper | Griffin Museum of Science and Industry | Facebook

Everyone loves watching the Foucault Pendulum at the museum. We created this special video to explain just how it works. Throughout the day, the direction of the pendulum’s swing appears to change. Actually the Earth is turning under the pendulum as it swings. At Houston’s latitude (30° N.) the pendulum will precess through 180° or halfway around each day. During this time, it will knock down all of the pins. Learn more: http://www.hmns.org/exhibits/permanent-exhibitions/pendulum/ | Houston Muse