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The term astronomical clock is one that is used fairly loosely.  Effectively any clock that shows astronomical information – as well as the time – can be so classified.  They can show the location of the sun in the sky, for example.  In addition to that they can show the position of the moon – and further information such as its phase and its age.  Others go further and show the current sign of the zodiac or even go as far as showing a rotating map of the stars.  We will begin with perhaps the most famous example, the Orloj of Prague.

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To say that this clock is astronomical is, perhaps, stating the obvious.  Another word that might describe the Prague Orloj is exquisite.  The first and perhaps most astonishing fact about this astronomical clock is that it was finished and in place in 1410, over eighty years before Columbus made his voyage of discovery to the Americas.  The first thing that draws the eye is the dial at the center of the clock which shows the positions of the moon and the sun.  What makes the Orloj a magnet for