time ball

简明释义

报时球

英英释义

例句

1.The time ball system was once essential for accurate timekeeping before the advent of modern technology.

时间球系统曾是现代技术出现之前准确计时的重要工具。

2.The sailors relied on the time ball to synchronize their watches at noon every day.

水手们依靠时间球每天中午同步他们的手表。

3.Many cities still have a time ball that drops each hour to remind people of the time.

许多城市仍然有一个每小时下降的时间球，以提醒人们时间。

4.At the observatory, the time ball drops precisely at 1 PM to signal the start of the afternoon.

在天文台，时间球在下午1点准时下降，以示下午的开始。

5.During the New Year's Eve celebration, a large time ball descends to mark the countdown to midnight.

在新年前夜庆祝活动中，一个巨大的时间球下降，标志着倒计时至午夜。

作文

The concept of the time ball is fascinating and has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Originally, a time ball was a large ball that would drop at a specific time each day, usually at noon, to help sailors synchronize their chronometers. This was especially important in the era of maritime navigation, where accurate timekeeping was essential for determining longitude at sea. Without precise time, navigating the vast oceans was a daunting challenge. The first recorded use of a time ball occurred in 1829 at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England, which later became the prime meridian for timekeeping worldwide.The mechanics of a time ball are quite simple but ingenious. A large ball, often made of wood or metal, is hoisted to the top of a tower or pole. At exactly noon, a signal is sent to release the ball, which then drops to the ground. This visual cue was visible from miles away, allowing ships in the harbor to adjust their clocks. The drop of the time ball became an event in itself, attracting crowds who gathered to witness this daily spectacle.As technology advanced and more accurate methods of timekeeping were developed, the use of time balls declined. However, they have not entirely disappeared. Some cities still maintain these historical structures as tourist attractions, showcasing the ingenuity of early timekeeping methods. For instance, the time ball at the top of One Times Square in New York City is famously dropped on New Year's Eve, marking the transition into the new year with great fanfare.In contemporary society, the idea of a time ball can be seen as a metaphor for precision and synchronization in our fast-paced lives. With smartphones and digital clocks, we are constantly aware of time, yet the concept of a time ball reminds us of a simpler time when people relied on visual cues and communal experiences to mark the passage of time. It symbolizes the importance of being present and aware of our surroundings, rather than getting lost in the distractions of modern technology.Moreover, the time ball serves as a reminder of the human desire to control and measure time. Throughout history, various cultures have developed unique methods to track time, from sundials to hourglasses. Each method reflects the values and technological advancements of its time. The time ball is just one example of how humans have sought to impose order on the natural world, creating a sense of predictability in an otherwise chaotic existence.In conclusion, the time ball is more than just a historical artifact; it represents humanity's quest for precision and understanding in measuring time. As we move forward into an increasingly digital future, it is essential to remember the significance of time and the traditions that have shaped our perception of it. The time ball stands as a testament to our ingenuity and our ongoing relationship with time, reminding us to appreciate both the past and the present.

“时间球”的概念令人着迷，历史悠久，可以追溯到19世纪。最初，“时间球”是一个大型球体，每天在特定的时间下降，通常是在中午，以帮助水手们同步他们的计时器。在海洋导航的时代，准确的时间记录对于确定海上的经度至关重要。没有精确的时间，航行在浩瀚的海洋上是一项艰巨的挑战。第一次记录使用“时间球”的事件发生在1829年，地点是英国格林威治皇家天文台，该天文台后来成为全球时间记录的标准子午线。“时间球”的机械原理相当简单但巧妙。一个大型球体，通常由木材或金属制成，被升到塔楼或杆的顶部。在正午时分，发送信号释放球体，球体随之下降到地面。这个视觉信号在数英里外可见，使港口中的船只能够调整他们的时钟。“时间球”的下降本身成为了一种事件，吸引了人们聚集观看这一日常盛事。随着技术的进步和更精确的计时方法的发展，“时间球”的使用逐渐减少。然而，它们并没有完全消失。一些城市仍然保留这些历史结构作为旅游景点，展示早期计时方法的独创性。例如，位于纽约市时代广场顶部的“时间球”在新年前夜被著名地降下，标志着新年过渡的盛大庆祝。在当代社会，“时间球”的概念可以看作是我们快节奏生活中精确和同步的隐喻。随着智能手机和数字时钟的普及，我们时刻意识到时间，但“时间球”的概念提醒我们曾经依赖视觉信号和共同体验来标记时间的流逝。它象征着在现代科技的干扰中保持当下意识的重要性。此外，“时间球”还提醒我们人类对控制和测量时间的渴望。纵观历史，各种文化发展出独特的方法来追踪时间，从日晷到沙漏。每种方法都反映了其时代的价值观和技术进步。“时间球”只是人类试图在自然世界中施加秩序的一个例子，创造出一种在混乱的存在中可预测的感觉。总之，“时间球”不仅仅是一个历史遗物；它代表了人类在测量时间上追求精确和理解的探索。随着我们迈向一个日益数字化的未来，记住时间的重要性以及塑造我们对时间感知的传统是至关重要的。“时间球”作为我们独创性的证明，以及我们与时间之间持续关系的象征，提醒我们珍惜过去和现在。