Inscriptions
7 of 7 from Photos: Decoding an ancient computer
The inscriptions on the Antikythera Mechanism have been deciphered to
reveal theories for ancient planetary positions. The mechanism was used
to predict and calculate lunar and solar eclipses on the basis of
Babylonian arithmetic-progression cycles, according to the team's
report. The mechanism also calculates lunar positions based on theories
by the famous Greek astronomer Hipparchos for deciphering the Moon's
elliptical orbit. The machine's ability to calculate sophisticated
astronomical knowledge of the Moon's unusual orbit surprised the
scientists. (
November 30, 2006 12:13 PM PST
Photo by: X-Tek
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