time balls

Visual time signals, generally including a ball that is mounted on a tall pole or rod set up on a tower or other prominent location and that is arranged to drop suddenly at a predetermined moment, such as noontime; used, for example, by ships at anchor.

Quick Facts

Go Historic Topic ID
28867

Article Info

Page Title
time balls
Added By
Holly Hayes
Date Published
December 12, 2012
Last Updated
March 8, 2024