Time Projector How can I cool off an overheating projector?
We have a projector at my church that works great - some of the time. Then it suddenly makes an electrical crackling noise and shuts off. The unit gets really hot really fast, and my hypothesis is that the problem is overheating related. I'm looking for some sort of component I could purchase to keep it cool, but that wouldn't make a lot of noise, thus ruining the atmosphere or making it hard to hear.
The projector should have its own internal fan. If the projector keeps overheating, then it could be a sign that the fan may not be working.
Atomic Timekeeping Receives time calibration radio signals which keep the displayed time accurate Auto receive function (4 times per day) Manual receive function Signal: WWVB, Frequency: 60kHz Tough Solar Power Shock Resistant 200M Water Resistant Auto EL Backlight with Afterglow World Time29 times zones (30 cities), city code display, daylight saving on/off 4 Daily Alarms & 1 Snooze Alarm Time Recorder; Memory capacity: 30 records (each record contains month, day, hour, minutes, seconds) 1/100 second stopwatch Measuring capacity: 23:59'59.99" Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times Hourly Time Signal Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2039) 12/24 Hour Formats Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (with no signal calibration) Storage Battery CTL1616 (Rechargeable Solar Battery Cell) Battery Power Indicator Power Saving Function Approx. battery life: 11 months on full charge (without further exposure to light) Module 2688 Case Width: 45mm (Approximately 1 3/4") Case Thickness: 15mm (Approximately 5/8")
Stianless Steel Case with Black Accents Negative Digital Display World Time: 39 Cities Alarms: 5 Daily Alarms, 30 Scheduled Alarms with User Programmable 14-Character Message 1/100th Second Chronograph Records Elapsed Time up to 100 Hours 100 Lap/Split Time with Memory Recall Countdown Timer Scrolling Display Mode Dual Color LED Backlight Power Saving Function Mineral Glass Crystal Water Resistant to 100 Meters (330 Feet) Stainless Steel Bracelet feature a Push Button Release Fold Over Clasp Battery Life: Approximately 2 Years 44mm Case Width (Approximately 1 3/4")
These new Baby-G are compact and cute. They might be 18% smaller than the regular jellies, but they’re still just as big on fashion. 100M Water Resistant EL Backlight with Afterglow World Tim: 29 times zones (48 cities), city code display, daylight saving on/off 4 Daily Alarms & 1 Snooze Alarm Countdown Timer Measuring unit: 1 second Input range: 1 minute to 24 hours (1-minute increments and 1-hour increments) 1/100 second stopwatch Measuring capacity: 59'59.99" Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times Hourly Time Signal Button Operation Tone On/Off Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2099) 12/24 Hour Formats Accuracy: +/-30 seconds per month Battery: CR1616 Approximate Battery Life: 3 Years Module 3120 37mm Case Width (Approximately 1 7/16") Weight: 37g
This new Promaster Atomic combines the best features of the Skyhawk AT and the Promaster Carbon series to create a flight chronograph with a rugged carbon fiber bezel, atomic accuracy and world time in 43 cities Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet Atomic Timekeeping with Radio Controlled Accuracy Citizen Eco-Drive Solar Power Technology never needs a battery 180 Day Power Reserve; 2.5 Year Power Reserve with Power-Save Function World Time in 43 Cities 2 Alarms 1/100 Second Chronograph Measures up to 24 Horus 99 Minute Countdown Timer Perpetual Calendar Digital Display Light Greenwich Mean Time Display One-Way Rotating Elapsed Time Carbon Fiber Bezel Non-Reflective Mineral Glass Crystal Power Reserve Indicator Water Resistant to 200 Meters (660 Feet) Bracelet features a Fold-Over Safety Clasp with Push-Button Release 44mm Case Width (Approximately 1 3/4") 15mm Case Thickness (Approximately 5/8")
The Double Time™ Collection... two great looks in one fabulous watch...Graceful design, elegant accents and an innovative twist. The Pulsar Double Time™ reversible bracelet transforms these stylish watches into versatile accessories. Wearing one of these exquisite timepieces is an occasion in itself. Reversible Bracelet: Stainless and Gold Tone (No Crystals) Gold-Tone with Swarovski® Crystal Accents CRSYTALLIZED™ Bezel with Genuine Swarovski® Crystals Genuine Mother of Pearl Dial Hardlex Crystal White Cobochon Crown Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet with Jewelers Clasp Water Resistant to 30 Meters Battery Life Approximately 3 Years
Electro-Luminescent Backlight with Afterglow Solar Powered Low-Temperature Resistant (-10 °C/14 °F) Digital Compass Measures and displays direction as one of 16 points Measuring Range: 0 to 359 ° Measuring Unit: 1 ° 20 Seconds Continuous Measurement Graphic Direction Pointer Bidirectional calibration and northerly calibration function Altimeter Measuring Range: -700 to 10,000 m (-2,300 to 32,800 ft.) Measuring Unit: 5 m (20 ft.) Auto Memory Measurements (up to 40 records, each including altitude, month, date, time) High Altitude / Low Altitude Memory Cumulative Ascent / Descent Memory Relative Altitude Display Altitude Tendency Graph Altitude Differential Graphic Altitude Alarm *Changeover between meters (m) and feet (ft.) Barometer Display Range: 260 to 1,100 hPa (7.65 to 32.45 inHg) Display Unit: 1 hPa (0.05 inHg) Atmospheric Pressure Tendency Graph Atmospheric Pressure Differential Graphic *Changeover between hPa and inHg Thermometer Display range: -10 to 60 °C (14 to 140 °F) Display Unit: 0.1 °C (0.2 °F)*Changeover between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F) Duplex LC Display World Time29 Time Zones (30 cities), City Code Display, Daylight Saving on/off 1/100-Second Stopwatch Measuring Capacity: 9:59'59.99'' Measuring Modes: Elapsed Time, Split Time, 1st-2nd Place Times Countdown Timer Measuring Unit: 1 second Countdown Range: 60 minutes Countdown Start Time Setting Range: 1 to 60 minutes (1-minute increments) Others: Auto-repeat, progress beeper 5 Independent Daily Alarms Hourly Time Signal Battery Power Indicator Power Save Function (automatically disables LCD if the watch is left in the dark for approximately 60 to 70 minutes, and sensor measurements if the watch is left in the dark for six or seven days) Auto-Calendar (to year 2099) 12/24-Hour Format Regular Timekeeping: Hour, minutes, seconds, pm, month, date, day Accuracy: +/-15 seconds per month Approximate battery operating time: 6 months on Rechargeable Battery (Operating period with normal use without exposure to light after full charge) 21.5 months on Rechargeable Battery (Operating period when stored in total darkness with the Power Save function ON after full charge) Size of case/62.3 X 52.2 X 14.2 mm Total weight 117 g
Electro-Luminescent Backlight with Afterglow Solar Powered Low-Temperature Resistant (-10 °C/14 °F) Digital Compass Measures and displays direction as one of 16 points Measuring Range: 0 to 359 ° Measuring Unit: 1 ° 20 Seconds Continuous Measurement Graphic Direction Pointer Bidirectional calibration and northerly calibration function Altimeter Measuring Range: -700 to 10,000 m (-2,300 to 32,800 ft.) Measuring Unit: 5 m (20 ft.) Auto Memory Measurements (up to 40 records, each including altitude, month, date, time) High Altitude / Low Altitude Memory Cumulative Ascent / Descent Memory Relative Altitude Display Altitude Tendency Graph Altitude Differential Graphic Altitude Alarm *Changeover between meters (m) and feet (ft.) Barometer Display Range: 260 to 1,100 hPa (7.65 to 32.45 inHg) Display Unit: 1 hPa (0.05 inHg) Atmospheric Pressure Tendency Graph Atmospheric Pressure Differential Graphic *Changeover between hPa and inHg Thermometer Display range: -10 to 60 °C (14 to 140 °F) Display Unit: 0.1 °C (0.2 °F)*Changeover between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F) Duplex LC Display World Time29 Time Zones (30 cities), City Code Display, Daylight Saving on/off 1/100-Second Stopwatch Measuring Capacity: 9:59'59.99'' Measuring Modes: Elapsed Time, Split Time, 1st-2nd Place Times Countdown Timer Measuring Unit: 1 second Countdown Range: 60 minutes Countdown Start Time Setting Range: 1 to 60 minutes (1-minute increments) Others: Auto-repeat, progress beeper 5 Independent Daily Alarms Hourly Time Signal Battery Power Indicator Power Save Function (automatically disables LCD if the watch is left in the dark for approximately 60 to 70 minutes, and sensor measurements if the watch is left in the dark for six or seven days) Auto-Calendar (to year 2099) 12/24-Hour Format Regular Timekeeping: Hour, minutes, seconds, pm, month, date, day Accuracy: +/-15 seconds per month Approximate battery operating time: 6 months on Rechargeable Battery (Operating period with normal use without exposure to light after full charge) 21.5 months on Rechargeable Battery (Operating period when stored in total darkness with the Power Save function ON after full charge) Size of case/62.3 X 52.2 X 14.2 mm Total weight 117 g
Polished and Brushed Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet Silver/White Textured Dial with Black Accents Luminous Hands and Markers Date Window at the 3 o'clock position 24 Hour Indicator Dual Time Water Resistant to 30 Meters (100 Feet) Bracelet features a Deployment Clasp 42mm Case Width (Approximately 1 11/16")
24 Hour Dual Time Sub Dial Swiss Quartz Movement Satin and Polished finished Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet Cobochon Crown Luminous Hands Water Resistant to 100 Meters (330 Feet) Anti-Reflective Sapphire Glass Crsytal Date Window above the 6 o'clock position Bracelet features a deployement clasp with double push button release 32mm Case Width (Approximately 1 1/4")
24 Hour Dual Time Sub Dial Swiss Quartz Movement Satin and Polished finished Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet Cobochon Crown Luminous Hands Water Resistant to 100 Meters (330 Feet) Anti-Reflective Sapphire Glass Crsytal Date Window above the 6 o'clock position Bracelet features a deployement clasp with double push button release 32mm Case Width (Approximately 1 1/4")
Accuracy at Normal Temperature: +/-15 Seconds/Month (Without Signal Calibration) Time: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, pm, Month, Day, & Date 12/24 Hour Time Auto Calendar Programmed to the Year 2099 Home City Code Display Daylight Savings Time/Standard Time Time Calibration: Auto-Receive up to 6 Times a Day, Manual Receive, Last Signal Screen Receivable Signals: Mainflingen, Germany; Rugby, England; Fort Collins, Colorado (US); Fukushima, Japan; Fukuoka/Saga, Japan World Time in 48 Cities (29 Time Zones) Stopwatch Measuring Unit: 1/100 Second Measuring Capacity: 999:59'59.99 Measuring Modes: Elapsed Time, Split Time, Two Finishes Countdown Timer Measuring Unit: 1/10 Second Input Range: 1 to 60 Minutes (1 Minute Increments) Alarms: 5 Daily, 4 One Time Alarms and 1 Snooze/One Time Alarm; Hourly Time Signal Illumination: Electronic Luminescent Panel with Auto Light Switch Battery Power Indicator Power Saving Function Button Operation Tone On/Off Power Supply: Solar Cell and Rechargeable Battery Battery Life at Full Charge (without being exposed to light): Approximately 9 Months with Normal Operation 45mm Case Width (Approximately 1 3/4") 13mm Case Thickness (Approximately 1/2")
Accuracy at Normal Temperature: +/-30 Seconds/Month Timekeeping: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, am/pm, Day, Date, 12/24 Hour Format, Full Auto-Calendar to the Year 2099, Home City Code, Daylight Savings Time World Time: 48 Cities (29 Time Zones) Stopwatch: 1/100 Second, Measuring Capacity 59:59:99, Measuring Modes: Elapsed Time, Split Time, Two Finishes Countdown Timer: Measuring Unit 1 Second, Input Range 1 Minute to 24 Hours in 1 Minute and 1 Hour Increments Alarms: 5 Daily Alarms; 4 One-Time Alarms and 1 Snooze Alarm; Hourly Time Signal Illumination: Electro-Luminescent Backlight with Selectable Duration Time Button Operation Tone On/Off Battery Type: CR1616 Battery Life: 3 Years with Normal Use 37mm Case Width (Approximately 1 1/2") 13mm Case Thickness (Approximately 1/2")
A sporty update to the Mondaine classic look featuring the convenience of a 2nd time zone display, along with a bigger, bolder size and a topstiched leather strap. Crown at the 10 o'clock allows you to set the city for the 2nd time zone on the bezel and set the 3rd hand to the appropriate 24 hour time for that time zine Quality Swiss quartz movement Stainless steel case Mineral crystal is scratch-resistant Genuine black leather strap with white topstitching Tested water-resistant to 30 meters Dimensions: Case 40 mm
A sporty update to the Mondaine classic look featuring the convenience of a 2nd time zone display, along with a bigger, bolder size and a topstiched leather strap. Crown at the 10 o'clock allows you to set the city for the 2nd time zone on the bezel and set the 3rd hand to the appropriate 24 hour time for that time zine Quality Swiss quartz movement Stainless steel case Mineral crystal is scratch-resistant Genuine black leather strap with white topstitching Tested water-resistant to 30 meters Dimensions: Case 40 mm
Accuracy at Normal Temperature: +/- 15 Seconds per Month Digital Timekeeping: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, am/pm, Month, Day, Date, 12/14 Hour Time Format Full Auto Calendar Pre-Programmed until the Year 2039 3 On Screen Formats: Day/Date & Time, Home City Codes, and Daylight Savings Time/Standard Time Analog Timekeeping: Hour and Minutes (Minute Hand moves every 20 seconds, digital graphics count the seconds) World Time: 27 Cities (29 Time Zones) Countdown Timer: Measuring Unit: 1 Second Countdown Range: 60 Minutes Countdown Start Time Setting Range: 1 to 60 Minutes in 1 Minute Increments Auto-Repeat Timing Progress Beeper Stopwatch Measuring Unit: 1/100 Second Measuring Capacity: 59:59:99 Measuring Modes: Elapsed Time, Split Time, Two Finishes Alarms: 4 Daily Alarms and 1 Snooze Alarm; Hourly Time Signal Illumination: LED Selectable Illumination Duration (1-3 Seconds) Auto-Light Switch 46mm Case Width (Approximately 1 3/4") 14mm Case Thickness (Approximately 9/16") Battery: CR1220 Battery Life: Approximately 3 Years with Normal Use
Accuracy at Normal Temperature: +/- 15 Seconds per Month Digital Timekeeping: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, am/pm, Month, Day, Date, 12/14 Hour Time Format Full Auto Calendar Pre-Programmed until the Year 2039 3 On Screen Formats: Day/Date & Time, Home City Codes, and Daylight Savings Time/Standard Time Analog Timekeeping: Hour and Minutes (Minute Hand moves every 20 seconds, digital graphics count the seconds) World Time: 27 Cities (29 Time Zones) Countdown Timer: Measuring Unit: 1 Second Countdown Range: 60 Minutes Countdown Start Time Setting Range: 1 to 60 Minutes in 1 Minute Increments Auto-Repeat Timing Progress Beeper Stopwatch Measuring Unit: 1/100 Second Measuring Capacity: 59:59:99 Measuring Modes: Elapsed Time, Split Time, Two Finishes Alarms: 4 Daily Alarms and 1 Snooze Alarm; Hourly Time Signal Illumination: LED Selectable Illumination Duration (1-3 Seconds) Auto-Light Switch 46mm Case Width (Approximately 1 3/4") 14mm Case Thickness (Approximately 9/16") Battery: CR1220 Battery Life: Approximately 3 Years with Normal Use
Accuracy at Normal Temperature: +/- 15 Seconds per Month Digital Timekeeping: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, am/pm, Month, Day, Date, 12/14 Hour Time Format Full Auto Calendar Pre-Programmed until the Year 2039 3 On Screen Formats: Day/Date & Time, Home City Codes, and Daylight Savings Time/Standard Time Analog Timekeeping: Hour and Minutes (Minute Hand moves every 20 seconds, digital graphics count the seconds) World Time: 27 Cities (29 Time Zones) Countdown Timer: Measuring Unit: 1 Second Countdown Range: 60 Minutes Countdown Start Time Setting Range: 1 to 60 Minutes in 1 Minute Increments Auto-Repeat Timing Progress Beeper Stopwatch Measuring Unit: 1/100 Second Measuring Capacity: 59:59:99 Measuring Modes: Elapsed Time, Split Time, Two Finishes Alarms: 4 Daily Alarms and 1 Snooze Alarm; Hourly Time Signal Illumination: LED Selectable Illumination Duration (1-3 Seconds) Auto-Light Switch 46mm Case Width (Approximately 1 3/4") 14mm Case Thickness (Approximately 9/16") Battery: CR1220 Battery Life: Approximately 3 Years with Normal Use
Accuracy at Normat Temperature: +/-15 Seconds/Month Timekeeping: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, am/pm, Month, Day, Date, 12/24 Hour Formats, Pre-Programmed Calendar to the Year 2039 Countdown Timer: Measuring Unit: 1 Second Countdown Range: 60 Minutes Elapsed Time Measurement: Up to 99 Hours, 59 Minutes, 59 Seconds Setting Times: Countdown Start Time : 1-60 Minutes in 1 Minute Increments; Reset Times: 1-5 Mintues in 1 Minute Increments Timer Modes: Auto-Repeat Timing, Elapsed Time Progress Beeper Alarms: 4 One-Time Alarms, 1 Snooze Alarm, Hourly Time Signal Stopwatch: Measuring Unit: 1/100 Second Measuring Capacity: 99:59'59.99" Measuring Modes: Elapsed Time, Split Time, Two Finishes Dual Time: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, am/pm Backlight: Electro Luminescent Backlight Auto-Light Switch: Operates only in the dark Battery Power Indicator Power Saving Function Operation at Low Temperature Resistance (-10 Degrees Celcius/14 Degrees Farenheit) Water Resistant to 200 Meters 46mm Case Width (Approximately 1 13/16") 14mm Case Thickness (Approximately 9/16")
Atomic Timekeeping Receives time calibration radio signals which keep the displayed time accurate Auto receive function (4 times per day) Manual receive function Signal: WWVB, Frequency: 60kHz Tough Solar Power Shock Resistant 200M Water Resistant Auto EL Backlight with Afterglow World Time29 times zones (30 cities), city code display, daylight saving on/off 4 Daily Alarms & 1 Snooze Alarm Time Recorder; Memory capacity: 30 records (each record contains month, day, hour, minutes, seconds) 1/100 second stopwatch Measuring capacity: 23:59'59.99" Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times Hourly Time Signal Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2039) 12/24 Hour Formats Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (with no signal calibration) Storage Battery CTL1616 (Rechargeable Solar Battery Cell) Battery Power Indicator Power Saving Function Approx. battery life: 11 months on full charge (without further exposure to light) Module 2688 Case Width: 45mm (Approximately 1 3/4") Case Thickness: 15mm (Approximately 5/8")
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Moveable Projected Displays using Projector Based Tracking
Some times my projector turns on and starts but other times it act like it will not come out of warm up?
It act like it is stuck in stand by and it will not start. Thanks to all who answered about my bulb question.
It sounds like there may be a power supply issue with the unit. It could be a bad solder connection and sometimes it is touching well enough for it to turn on, or a bad capacitor that is sometimes working. I would have a service center check it out.
Yes, it is absolutely worth it. Watching a movie projected so it fills your vision is a completely different experience. It draws you into it, in a way no TV can (unless you sit 6 feet away from a 60" set).
You don't have to spend a fortune, but you do have to spend about $900-1000 for a good setup. And you have to be able to control the lighting, it won't look good in a room flooded with daylight.
Here's a good 720p projector:
Here's a 100" pull-down screen for about the best price you'll find:
Can you project onto a white wall? Sure, but it won't be nearly as good as a masked screen. A screen is brighter, and its dark border makes the image pop, lets you ignore everything else. Which is why you go to the movies.
I was ready to plunk down a lot of money for a 60" plasma. Then I tried my 1280×800 business projector against the wall. It was amazing, so I bought a fixed frame screen. Even my wife, who's never impressed by anything, was wowed. At some point I'll get a 1080p projector, but I'm never going back to a TV.
I agree with Brett. Professional astronomers know nothing about constellations, though this could prove to be useful depending on if this is a constellation that is most likely known by anybody, such as Orion, Ursa Major, or Cassiopeia.
Amateur astronomers are likely to know more of the constellations, but still leaning to the more commonly known ones.
My suggestion would be to try different planetarium employees. I used to work at a planetarium and give constellation talks. Though I never learned quite all of them, there are many people who know quite a few, even the more rare ones (both Northern and Southern hemisphere). This is where you are going to find the most knowledgable people when it comes to constellation shapes, because they constantly are helping other people see them all the time.
The other nice thing about using a planetarium, is that you could have them 'go back in time' with the projector and show you what the sky looked like during the time of the potsherd. This would at least tell you what constellations were even visible to these people during that time, granted they could see others if they traveled long distances.
You could try small samples of each of these three groups. Then, though your pool of subjects is small (due to budget and time), you could at least have a more diverse pool to base your results on. Also, for the other constellation sample, I would choose something of equal popularity, that way you are not having people compare something like Orion to Sagitta.
I have my own opinions on what constellation(s) this could be. Though, it could be some other astronomical object, such as a galaxy…or like you said, perhaps we are trying to see something that is not there. It is too bad it is only a sherd and not the whole vessel!
I agree with Brett. Professional astronomers know nothing about constellations, though this could prove to be useful depending on if this is a constellation that is most likely known by anybody, such as Orion, Ursa Major, or Cassiopeia.
Amateur astronomers are likely to know more of the constellations, but still leaning to the more commonly known ones.
My suggestion would be to try different planetarium employees. I used to work at a planetarium and give constellation talks. Though I never learned quite all of them, there are many people who know quite a few, even the more rare ones (both Northern and Southern hemisphere). This is where you are going to find the most knowledgable people when it comes to constellation shapes, because they constantly are helping other people see them all the time.
The other nice thing about using a planetarium, is that you could have them 'go back in time' with the projector and show you what the sky looked like during the time of the potsherd. This would at least tell you what constellations were even visible to these people during that time, granted they could see others if they traveled long distances.
You could try small samples of each of these three groups. Then, though your pool of subjects is small (due to budget and time), you could at least have a more diverse pool to base your results on. Also, for the other constellation sample, I would choose something of equal popularity, that way you are not having people compare something like Orion to Sagitta.
I have my own opinions on what constellation(s) this could be. Though, it could be some other astronomical object, such as a galaxy…or like you said, perhaps we are trying to see something that is not there. It is too bad it is only a sherd and not the whole vessel!
Good Luck!
About Me
Hi, JT here. I recently received a Projection Alarm Clock as a gift and thought that it was just the coolest thing ever. I've started giving them to friends and thought I'd do a little research and put a site together about Projection Clocks and Atomic Clocks. I hope you enjoy!
Hi, JT here. I recently received a Projection Alarm Clock as a gift and thought that it was just the coolest thing ever. I've started giving them to friends and thought I'd do a little research and put a site together about Projection Clocks and Atomic Clocks. I hope you enjoy!
4 Comments
Ha Ha Ha.. So nice… Superb thinking.. Keep it up… I too don't like those movies…;-)
Yes, it is absolutely worth it. Watching a movie projected so it fills your vision is a completely different experience. It draws you into it, in a way no TV can (unless you sit 6 feet away from a 60" set).
You don't have to spend a fortune, but you do have to spend about $900-1000 for a good setup. And you have to be able to control the lighting, it won't look good in a room flooded with daylight.
Here's a good 720p projector:
Here's a 100" pull-down screen for about the best price you'll find:
Can you project onto a white wall? Sure, but it won't be nearly as good as a masked screen. A screen is brighter, and its dark border makes the image pop, lets you ignore everything else. Which is why you go to the movies.
I was ready to plunk down a lot of money for a 60" plasma. Then I tried my 1280×800 business projector against the wall. It was amazing, so I bought a fixed frame screen. Even my wife, who's never impressed by anything, was wowed. At some point I'll get a 1080p projector, but I'm never going back to a TV.
I agree with Brett. Professional astronomers know nothing about constellations, though this could prove to be useful depending on if this is a constellation that is most likely known by anybody, such as Orion, Ursa Major, or Cassiopeia.
Amateur astronomers are likely to know more of the constellations, but still leaning to the more commonly known ones.
My suggestion would be to try different planetarium employees. I used to work at a planetarium and give constellation talks. Though I never learned quite all of them, there are many people who know quite a few, even the more rare ones (both Northern and Southern hemisphere). This is where you are going to find the most knowledgable people when it comes to constellation shapes, because they constantly are helping other people see them all the time.
The other nice thing about using a planetarium, is that you could have them 'go back in time' with the projector and show you what the sky looked like during the time of the potsherd. This would at least tell you what constellations were even visible to these people during that time, granted they could see others if they traveled long distances.
You could try small samples of each of these three groups. Then, though your pool of subjects is small (due to budget and time), you could at least have a more diverse pool to base your results on. Also, for the other constellation sample, I would choose something of equal popularity, that way you are not having people compare something like Orion to Sagitta.
I have my own opinions on what constellation(s) this could be. Though, it could be some other astronomical object, such as a galaxy…or like you said, perhaps we are trying to see something that is not there. It is too bad it is only a sherd and not the whole vessel!
Good Luck!
I agree with Brett. Professional astronomers know nothing about constellations, though this could prove to be useful depending on if this is a constellation that is most likely known by anybody, such as Orion, Ursa Major, or Cassiopeia.
Amateur astronomers are likely to know more of the constellations, but still leaning to the more commonly known ones.
My suggestion would be to try different planetarium employees. I used to work at a planetarium and give constellation talks. Though I never learned quite all of them, there are many people who know quite a few, even the more rare ones (both Northern and Southern hemisphere). This is where you are going to find the most knowledgable people when it comes to constellation shapes, because they constantly are helping other people see them all the time.
The other nice thing about using a planetarium, is that you could have them 'go back in time' with the projector and show you what the sky looked like during the time of the potsherd. This would at least tell you what constellations were even visible to these people during that time, granted they could see others if they traveled long distances.
You could try small samples of each of these three groups. Then, though your pool of subjects is small (due to budget and time), you could at least have a more diverse pool to base your results on. Also, for the other constellation sample, I would choose something of equal popularity, that way you are not having people compare something like Orion to Sagitta.
I have my own opinions on what constellation(s) this could be. Though, it could be some other astronomical object, such as a galaxy…or like you said, perhaps we are trying to see something that is not there. It is too bad it is only a sherd and not the whole vessel!
Good Luck!