Contest #509: Battresea Power Station, London, UK

Any list of the most iconic album cover images of the rock era would have to include 1977’s “Animals” by Pink Floyd.

The artwork began as a series of photographs of a giant helium inflated pig balloon floated above Battersea Power Station in London. Interestingly enough the balloon’s moorings broke and the pig “escaped”, eventually floating over Heathrow Airport, causing a temporary closure of the airport.

Today, Battersea Power Station is under reconstruction as a site that will include a smaller, cleaner power station (retaining its classic look) along with shops, residential areas, office space (Apple will have a large presence), and green space. But, alas, no flying pig is planned for the new development — such a missed opportunity!

Here’s what it SHOULD look like after completion:

Those who joined in watching for pigs on the wing:

  • hhgygy
  • Eloy Cano
  • Garfield
  • Chris Nason
  • LawnBoy
  • Robin
  • mehmet durmus
  • Jeather
  • Phil Ower
  • Declan Moore
  • Luís Filipe Miguel
  • Andy McConnell
  • Ridicully
  • Lighthouse

None after the hint.

Contest #508 – Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

This UNESCO WHC site is one of 5 astronomical observatories built in the 18th century in India.

The large sundial in the southwest corner of the site is the largest gnomon sundial in the world and has reading markings accurate to 2 seconds.

To the east of the large sundial are a group of 12 gnomons aligned to the ecliptic at the beginning of each zodiac sign. These allow the user to determine the sidereal time.

There is a total of 19 instruments that measure things like the position of celestial bodies and the dates of Hindu festivals.

Those who found it before the hint included:

  • Phil Ower
  • Eloy Cano
  • David Kozina
  • hhgygy
  • Jeather
  • mehmet durmus
  • Ashwini Agrawal
  • Garfield
  • Happee (Welcome, glad you could join us!!)
  • Steve Hoge (Welcome back!!)
  • Chris Nason
  • donaaronio
  • Lighthouse
  • Glenmorren
  • Robin
  • Rob de Wolff
  • Tim
  • Gillian B

And after the hint:

  • Robin
  • Andy McConnell (Welcome Back!!)
  • Luís Filipe Miguel

Contest #507: Tigre de Cristal casino, near Vladivostok in far eastern Russia

While it might look like a truck stop, this weeks location is actually the new Tigre de Cristal casino complex near the city of Vladivostok in far eastern Russia.

It was built primarily to serve Chinese gamblers who wanted a location closer than Macau. It has been a mixed success, with construction issues and gamblers complaining it is too cold!

Hitting the jackpot for 2 points:

  • Eloy Cano
  • Phil Ower

After the hint:

  • Garfield