The gyroscope was invented by Leon Foucault to demonstrate the rotation of the earth. Modern gyroscopes have a constantly spinning rotor, creating a fixed orientation used for navigation. They are used in compasses for airplanes, spacecraft, boats, and even in the guidance systems of some missiles.
The gyroscope was named by Leon Foucault, a French physicist, in an attempt to demonstrate the rotation of the earth. A freely rotating disk, called a rotor, was mounted on a rotating axle in the center of a larger, more stable wheel. As the earth spun on its axis, the stable wheel rotated with it, but the rotor did not move. The movement of the mounted wheel followed the rotation of the earth, rotating around the central disc and demonstrating the rotation of the earth.
Usually, in modern gyroscopes, the rotor spins constantly. The constant rotation adds certain properties to the gyroscope and increases its uses. Just like a top, which remains level on an inclined surface, the center of rotation of a gyroscope does not change its orientation. Rotor rotation means that any change in orientation affects all points on the rotor equally, causing the rotor to spin on a fixed axis. This is called precession.
Precession creates a fixed orientation. The rotor rotates on a fixed axis while the structure around it rotates or tilts. In space, where the four cardinal points make no sense, the rotating rotor axis is used as a reference point for navigation.
In addition to the rotor, modern gyroscopes typically have two additional rings, called gimbals, in the center of a larger stable ring. The rotor spins on an axis connected to the smaller internal gimbal. This gimbal rotates on a horizontal axis created by its connection with the larger external gimbal. The larger gimbal rotates vertically and rotates on an axis connected to the stable outer ring.
Gyroscopes are in compasses for airplanes, spacecraft and boats. In airplanes, the aircraft’s pitch and bearing are measured against the constant rotation of the gyroscope. In space, where there are few landmarks to help navigate, the gyroscope’s center of rotation is used as an orientation point.
Massive gyroscopes are used to stabilize large boats and some satellites. They are also used in the guidance systems of some missiles. They also make a fun toy for kids.
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