Photo: Deutsches MuseumRather than form circles like a compass, a harmonograph draws curves created by overlapping oscillations.
The basic principle is that two pendulums – connected to a single pen – are set in motion and swing backwards and forwards along perpendicular axes. These swinging movements are transferred to the pen. As the pendulums move, they draw lines in overlapping directions, creating beautiful curves in the process.
Since so many variables can affect the drawing, it is not possible to create identical images. See for yourself!
When will this event take place?
Discover which activities are taking place by checking our daily programme, which is published at around 9.20 each day. Our programme changes daily and includes guided tours, demonstrations, science shows and hands-on activities for individual visitors and small groups of up to five people. All programme events are held in German. They begin either directly where the activity is set to take place or at a guided-tour meeting point in the relevant exhibition.
