Unlocking a sea secret: the Antikythera Mechanism
Lecture in English
Dr. Markos Skoulatos (TU Munich)
FRIDAY, 7 June 2024, 8 p.m.
Venue: Volkssternwarte (Munich Public Observatory), Rosenheimer Str. 145h, 81671 München
Without any doubt, the oldest computer of mankind, known as the Antikythera Mechanism, is the greatest technological achievement of antiquity. A century was necessary in order to reveal its secrets. What is it though, that inspires until now four generations of scientists?
In this talk, we will navigate from its discovery by sponge divers, up to the latest word of modern technology in order to solve its puzzle. I will analyse its functions, epicyclic and differential gearings, the indications it gives us and how to read them. We will see how astronomy, mathematics and engineering, all come together at a small portable mechanical device. At the end, there will be an opportunity to see from close my real model reconstruction. Our purpose is to familiarise with this “mysterious” construction as well as to individually discover what it is that inspires, still, despite 2 millennia from its original construction.
If skies are clear, guests are invited to visit the rooftop observatory after the talk.
Tickets: € 10 / 7
Advance booking required due to limited number of seats.
Admission from 7:45 p.m.
Where does the event happen? Volkssternwarte München, Rosenheimer Str. 145h, 81671 München
When does the event happen?
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