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Astronomy Picture of the Day - The Antikythera Mechanism
APOD.NASA.gov ^
| 21 Mar, 2021
| Image Credit & License: Marsyas, Wikipedia
Posted on 03/21/2021 3:48:27 PM PDT by MtnClimber
Explanation: No one knew that 2,000 years ago, the technology existed to build such a device. The Antikythera mechanism, pictured, is now widely regarded as the first computer. Found at the bottom of the sea aboard a decaying Greek ship, its complexity prompted decades of study, and even today some of its functions likely remain unknown. X-ray images of the device, however, have confirmed that a main function of its numerous clock-like wheels and gears is to create a portable, hand-cranked, Earth-centered, orrery of the sky, predicting future star and planet locations as well as lunar and solar eclipses. The corroded core of the Antikythera mechanism's largest gear is featured, spanning about 13 centimeters, while the entire mechanism was 33 centimeters high, making it similar in size to a large book. Recently, modern computer modeling of missing components is allowing for the creation of a more complete replica of this surprising ancient machine.
TOPICS: Astronomy; Astronomy Picture of the Day; Science
KEYWORDS: ancientnavigation; antikytheramechanism; godsgravesglyphs; nasa
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To: MtnClimber
Man, if only they could've invented one that could predict the Thoroughbred races.
21
posted on
03/21/2021 8:40:57 PM PDT
by
Bullish
(CNN is what happens when 8th graders run a cable network.)
To: Uber-Eng
Pretty much proof right there that humanity was pretty advanced at some point and some idiot set us all back about 2000 years by taking out key people (& library of Alexandria?). To construct something that intricate, even “by hand”, would require some precision metalworking & removal equipment not to mention a great deal of mathematics.Yes, it's mind boggling technology for so long ago. Almost makes me wonder if that "Chariots of the Gods" stuff might have some merit. Lol! (semi-seriously)
22
posted on
03/21/2021 8:51:00 PM PDT
by
ETL
(REAL Russia collusion! DEMOCRAT-Russia collusion!! China-Russia collusion! Click ETL...)
To: minnesota_bound
Then and now, fiddling while civilization burns.
23
posted on
03/22/2021 4:37:59 AM PDT
by
MtnClimber
(For photos of Colorado scenery and wildlife, click on my screen name for my FR home page.)
To: MtnClimber
Do I see a ‘Phillips Flathead Screw’ on the lower left arm of the ‘X’?......................
24
posted on
03/22/2021 5:23:57 AM PDT
by
Red Badger
("We've always been at war with Climate Change, Winston."..............................)
To: Diana in Wisconsin
Must have been made by IBM................[AKA, I BUY MAINFRAMES].................
25
posted on
03/22/2021 5:28:56 AM PDT
by
Red Badger
("We've always been at war with Climate Change, Winston."..............................)
To: MtnClimber
“No wonder it doesn’t work. They forgot to clean it for a few thousand years.”
You probably just have to unplug it for 15 seconds or so, then plug it back in and all is well. ;)
26
posted on
03/22/2021 8:25:46 AM PDT
by
Diana in Wisconsin
(I don't have 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
To: MtnClimber
But ... but ... what if I'm pro-kytheria?
To: MtnClimber
This topic was posted , thanks MtnClimber.
28
posted on
07/23/2023 2:59:55 PM PDT
by
SunkenCiv
(Putin should skip ahead to where he kills himself in the bunker.)
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