New discovery about the Antikythera mechanism!

the Antikythera MechanismDiscovered a century ago, this ancient artifact has puzzled archaeologists ever since due to its corroded bronze wheels and gears. Despite its incomplete state, it is widely believed to be an analog computer that tracked the movements of celestial bodies. However, its exact function and construction details have remained elusive due to the incomplete nature of the surviving parts.

But now, a new investigation has revealed new information! In particular, researchers from the University of Glasgow have applied statistical modeling techniques to uncover more details about this unique mechanism. Previous X-ray analyses of a partially preserved component, known as a calendar ring, provided initial measurements of the locations of the holes. The new study builds on that, but uses Bayesian statistical methods to more accurately estimate the number and location of the missing holes. With this innovative approach, the scientists discovered that The device’s calendar ring likely has 354 holes. This discovery challenges previous theories that suggested it had 365 or 360 holes, providing a more accurate reconstruction of the ancient device. This means that this particular ring is perfectly aligned with the lunar calendar!

Astrophysicists Joseph Bailey and Graham Wan of the University of Glasgow led the study. searchUsing techniques typically reserved for gravitational wave studies, they gained a deeper understanding of the fine craftsmanship required to create the mechanism. Their findings highlight the extraordinary precision of ancient Greek craftsmen, who found that There is only 0.028mm radial runout per hole. The precision of the Antikythera Mechanism’s construction is simply shocking and highlights the extent of ancient technology’s sophistication and complexity.

The Antikythera Mechanism was found in 1901 by divers exploring a shipwreck off the coast of Greece. Although it was completely corroded, after much research it was found to be an original computer used to predict the positions of planets and eclipses, dating back to the 1st century BC.