The Antikythera Mechanism
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.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
