The Ancient Indian Observatory of Jantar Mantar

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Maharaja Jai Singh built the five observatories in the western part of central India. The most prominent was the Jantar Mantar, consisting of multiple buildings of unique form, each of which had its own astronomical function. The unique combination of form they paid attention scientists, artists and architects from all over the world. (15 photos)

1. Maharaja was a lover of astronomy and mathematics, and it gave birth to his desire to build an observatory. Due to the fact that he was well acquainted with the Islamic school of astronomy he was familiar with the works of the masters of the field. The projects were also included early Persian and Greek elements. In the end, managed to create one of the greatest observatories, unique features and design.

2. Not all buildings have survived. The best preserved is the Jantar Mantar

3. In the Jaipur observatory 14 major geometric devices designed to measure the time, location tracking and orbit stars, predicting eclipses, as well as determining the slope of the planets and astronomical heights. Samrat Yantra is a solar disc height of 27 meters. The shadow of these unique discs can determine the time of day to the nearest second.

4. Jai Prakash is definitely the most difficult element of the Observatory. It consists of curved hemispheres with markings on the concave surface. This tool will help to determine the position of the stars. Yantra Ram helped determine the height and azimuth of celestial objects, including the sun.

5. Today, the observatory is quite a popular tourist attraction in India. Local astronomers still use it to predict the weather for farmers.