A team of astronomers from the University of Glasgow has applied advanced techniques developed for analyzing gravitational waves to study the Antikythera mechanism, shedding new light on the function of this ancient device, considered the world’s first analog computer.
Discovered in 1901 on a shipwreck near the Greek island of the same name, the Antikythera mechanism has fascinated researchers for decades. This intricate device, about the size of a shoebox, contains a complex series of gears that allowed ancient Greeks to predict eclipses and calculate astronomical positions with surprising accuracy for its time.
In 2020, new X-ray images of the mechanism’s calendar ring revealed additional details about evenly distributed holes around the ring. However, the ring’s fragmentation prevented determining the exact number of holes originally present. Initial analyses suggested a range of between 347 and 367 holes.
In a study recently published in the Horological Journal, Glasgow researchers, led by Professor Graham Woan, describe how they used two advanced statistical techniques to estimate the likely number of holes in the ring. By applying Bayesian analysis and Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods, the results suggest that the calendar ring contained 354 or 355 holes, a number corresponding to the Greek lunar calendar.
Professor Woan commented, I became intrigued with the problem when a colleague showed me data compiled by YouTuber Chris Budiselic, who was attempting to replicate the calendar ring. Over the Christmas break, I applied statistical techniques to address the question, and our results indicated the ring likely had 354 holes.
Simultaneously, Dr. Joseph Bayley from the University’s Institute of Gravitational Research applied techniques used to analyze signals from LIGO gravitational wave detectors. These techniques, employed to measure tiny ripples in spacetime caused by massive astronomical events, were adapted to study the mechanism’s calendar ring.
The combined analysis by Woan and Bayley demonstrated that the holes were positioned with exceptional precision, with an average radial variation of only 0.028 mm between each hole, highlighting the incredible skill of Greek craftsmen.
The dual techniques we applied greatly increase the likelihood that the calendar ring followed the lunar calendar, explained Bayley. This work has given me a new appreciation for the Antikythera mechanism and the meticulous skill required for its construction.
Professor Woan concluded, It’s fascinating that modern techniques used to study the universe can help us better understand a device that aided ancient people in tracking the movements of the heavens. We hope our findings deepen the understanding of how this remarkable mechanism was built and used.
SOURCES
Graham Woan, Joseph Bayley, An Improved Calendar Ring Hole-Count for the Antikythera Mechanism. A Fresh Analysis. The Horological Journal, July 2024.
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