The digital Cyanometer, paying tribute to the original 18th century device attributed to Horace-Benedict de Saussure, will be monitoring the skies over Ljubljana, the Green Capital of Europe, at the Ajdovščina plaza by the end of the year.

The idea behind the original cyanometer was to measure the colour intensity of blue sky so as to forecast weather in the Alps. Using the device, de Saussure learned that the blueness of the sky depends on the density of air particles.

The focal point of Bricelj Baraga's glass and stainless steel installation is de Saussure's circle of 53 shades of blue, ranging from white to black, which visitors will be able to use to measure the blueness of the sky, the Museum of Transitory Art wrote.

The device, powered by solar energy, will also be periodically photographing the sky and send the photos to an on-line archive, which will also include data on air quality.

The project was backed by the Ljubljana municipality, which this year boasts the title of the Green Capital of Europe, and the Environment Agency. It was realised as part of the Artecitya network, funded by the Creative Europe programme.

It is the latest installation from the Nonuments series of Bricelj Baraga's futuristic, SF and utopian installations placed in public areas.

His last one, dubbed Moonolith, was set up at the Republic Square last winter. It reflected the moon and constellations while also reacting to passers-by.

Bricelj Baraga, an intermedia artist, producer and curator, explores the complex relations between humans and technology in his interactive projects and audiovisual performances. He is the founder of the Sonica international festival of transitory art and the head of the Museum of Transitory Art.