Antikythera mechanism working model

"The Antikythera mechanism has fascinated both scientists and people with a singular obsession with brass and the idea that aliens held architectural design workshops for the ancient Egyptians, since its discovery in 1901 in a wreck off the Greek island of Antikythera, between Kythera and Crete. Dated to about 150–100 BC, the mechanism has been described as the first mechanical computer, and calculated the position of the Sun, Moon, and other astronomical information such as the location of other planets as well as allowing for rudimentary spreadsheets and solitaire.

Here Michael Wright, of the Imperial College London and noted Antikythera devotee, demonstrates his working model of the mechanism, gleaned from years of study and x-ray imaging. It should be noted that Wright was unable to reconcile all of the known gears found in the mechanism. Solitaire enthusiasts take heart, for Wright remains on the case with the help of The Antikythera Mechanism Research Project.

Antikythera mechanism working model.mov [YouTube]"

Posted by Ross Rosenberg on ECTOPLASMOSIS!