Scientists have finally demystified the incredible workings of a 2,000-year-old astronomical calculator built by ancient Greeks.A new analysis of the Antikythera Mechanism, a clock-like machine consisting of more than 30 precise, hand-cut bronze gears, show it to be more advanced than previously thought—so much so that nothing comparable was built for another thousand years.
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The new analysis reveals that the device's front dials had pointers for the sun and Moon—called the "golden little sphere" and "little sphere," respectively—and markings which coincided with the zodiac and solar calendars. The back dials, meanwhile, appear to have been used for predicting solar and lunar eclipses.
The researchers also show that the device could mechanically replicate the irregular motions of the Moon, caused by its elliptical orbit around the Earth, using a clever design involving two superimposed gear-wheels, one slightly off-center, that are connected by a pin-and-slot device.
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By winding a knob on its side, the positions of the sun, Moon, Mercury and Venus could be determined for any chosen date. Newly revealed inscriptions also appear to confirm previous speculations that the device could also calculate the positions of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn—the other planets known at the time.
Really, I have nothing to add. I'm blown away that the Greeks could do all that mechanically.
People can do some really amazing things.
Comments (2)
Necessity being the mother of invention and all that... Given the inaccuracies of the calendars of the time, do you think that accurate planet movement could have been extended to seasonal calculation?
Very cool.
Posted by Kvatch | November 30, 2006 2:09 PM
If you follow some of the weird ideas mankind is heir to, one is that secrecy, war and fire - not to mention religion, government and perishability of media - have seen many discoveries lost to mankind. As an example, I recall reading about an old iron pole in India - centuries old - which is rust free : something we can't do today.
It is comforting to think of people living in the past being ignorant and deprived - as a way of feeling priviledged and superior - but the actual truth of that concept gets assaulted rather vigorously from time too time.
Posted by opit | December 5, 2006 5:58 PM