The Antikythera mechanism is an ancient analog computer designed to predict astronomical positions and eclipses for calendrical and astrological purposes as well as the Olympiads, the cycles of the ancient Olympic Games
Pieces of this ancient calculating machine were originally discovered by sponge divers exploring the remains of an ancient shipwreck off the tiny island of Antikythera in 1900. For decades, scientists have been trying to figure out how the device's 80 fragmented pieces fit together and unlock its workings.
A recent analysis of the Ancient Greek Antikythera mechanism, and its clock-like mechanism consisting of more than 30 precise, hand-cut bronze gears, shows it to be more advanced than previously thought...so much so that nothing comparable was built for another thousand years.
The new analysis reveals that the device's front dials having 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.
A recent analysis of the Ancient Greek Antikythera mechanism, and its clock-like mechanism consisting of more than 30 precise, hand-cut bronze gears, shows it to be more advanced than previously thought...so much so that nothing comparable was built for another thousand years.
The new analysis reveals that the device's front dials having 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.
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