An Elegant Way to Measure Temperature
This Galileo thermometer comes encased in a classic black triangular wood frame. An ideal piece for any home or office, this desktop thermometer measures 11" high and features stylish black colored glass 'bubbles'.
The Galilean thermometer works due to the principle of buoyancy, a force exerted by a fluid that opposes an object's weight. As the temperature of the air outside the thermometer changes, the temperature of the water surrounding the bubbles also changes. When the temperature of the water changes, it either expands or contracts, changing its density.
Each bubble also differs slightly in density from the other bubbles. The bubble that sinks the most indicates the approximate current temperature. Named for “The father of modern observational astronomy,” Galileo Galilei, an Italian physicist and astronomer responsible for many astronomical advancements. The liquid inside the thermometer is actually a mixture of water and parafin oil.