We visited the Jantar Mantar observatory on the 19th anniversary of Leonard's parents' passing. He wrote this on facebook: "Today is a special, always painful day. And I remembered what day it was when I said just the wrong thing. We were about to enter the Jantar Mantar in Jaipur and I said to my children, 'Your grandfather would have died and gone to heaven to visit this place.' The wrong thing to say ever, but when I remembered that today was the 19th anniversary, I felt all the worse for it. And then I realized that there could be no better place to remember my father, and my mother, than at an observatory. I wish I could have visited this place with them, but I would like to believe they were with me in spirit."
The Krantivrtta is an instrument used to measure celestial latitude and longitude of an object in the sky. I wonder if it could find Kolob?
This is a sundial for the summer. The other side is for winter. You can just make out the third dial on the top for the equinoxes, when the sun is directly overhead and neither side works.
Details of the hours, minutes, and seconds.
The earlier sundial, accurate to a lousy 20 seconds, necessitating the bigger one (3 photos down). All of this was built in the early 1700s!
On the right is a map of the night sky, marking stars and constellations. On the left is a blank one for testing students. Leonard's dad would have found that most appropriate.
All I can say about Time is that it is going too fast! Slow down and keep my babes home with me longer!
The largest sundial I've ever seen!
One of many crazy astronomical devices. And by crazy, I mean brilliant.
Twelve of these- one for each of the signs of the zodiac. Growing up I always knew I was a Leo and my birthstone was a peridot. I never knew the connection though. Apparently, each birthstone protects the people born under the different astrological signs. Read HERE for more info :).
Kaleb and NoƩ are Pisces and need Aquamarine.
Teague is a Taurus and needs an Emerald, not a Diamond as April says.
Ali and Len are both Geminis and need Pearls. No Emerald for my May-born Ali.
My Leo personality (and August birth) needs a Peridot.
Hiram is a Scorpio (like his Grandpa Reil) and needs a Topaz, not an Opal like October says.
Gavin is a Sagittarius and needs some Turquoise.
Here's the rest of the list:
Aries=Diamond
Cancer=Ruby
Virgo=Sapphire
Libra=Opal
Capricorn=Garnet
Aquarius=Amethyst
The world's largest sundial. Yes, those are people down there. Accurate to within two seconds. Yes, you read that correctly.
This building looks like it should be in a story book. I love the door and window and both of its staircases.
We love and miss you Mom and Dad/Grandma and Grandpa!
Another cool astrological instrument. Each of the instruments also had smaller models of themselves on display.
Thank you Jantar Mantar. You were an interesting place to visit!
