antikythera mechanism

[DanM]

From the american computer museum in bozeman, MT. I only have the darkest photos ( there was no flash photography allowed ) but I could get better ones from my sister. What therioies are on the use of it, and who made it?

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

I believe it was used to predict or post date the position of stars and planets on any chosen date......in the past or future...a celestial computer so to speak...hope that made a little sense.
It was found on a Greek ship that sunk in the Bosphorus.

[D B Campbell]

Yup -- we did the Antikythera device back in 2006.

Thanks for the photos, though!

[A_Volpe]

I love that machine, it's so fascinating!

Yeah, one of the theories is that it is capable of 'calculating' the movements of constellations and planets, perhaps in aide to navigation, sort of like a calendar or almanac that you can "dial in" the day/time/week sort of deal and find out where a particular [constellation] will be.

I think there is a similar replica in one of the Boston MA museums.

If I had a time machine and money I'd go snatch one

[Julilla]

I really envy you the chance to view such an amazing recreation. For those who'd like to see other reconstructions, visit Antikythera web site

[Theodosius the Great]

Hi Dan,

Great photos !

A new article about this device can be found here :

Discovering How Greeks Computed in 100 B.C.

I'm not sure how much, if any, information is new but thought I'd post it anyway. Also, the Newsfeed thread here on RAT has a new article on the device as well.

~Theo

[MeinPanzer]

And another fascinating article, posted by Duncan Head on the ancmed group:

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v4 ... 07130.html

I particularly like the dial with the various Panhellenic games on it.