The Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient artifact dating back to the 1st century BCE, is a remarkable piece of engineering that has intrigued archaeologists for over a century. Discovered in 1901 from a shipwreck off the coast of Greece, this mechanical device is largely considered an analog computer, capable of tracking celestial movements. However, due to its fragmented state, the exact functioning of the Antikythera Mechanism remains a subject of speculation.
Recently, researchers from the University of Glasgow have employed statistical modeling techniques, commonly used in the study of gravitational waves, to extrapolate missing details of a critical dial on the Antikythera Mechanism, known as the calendar ring. Through the application of Bayesian statistical methods, they determined that the calendar ring would have had 354 holes punched into it, which aligns with the lunar calendar. This finding is more likely than other theories suggesting there were 365 or 360 holes in the calendar ring.
The calendar ring, or front dial, was partially preserved, and earlier X-ray analysis allowed researchers to measure the positions of closely-spaced holes. This information, combined with the new statistical analysis, could help confirm the calendar ring’s function. The research not only provides insights into the Antikythera Mechanism but also highlights the precision and craftsmanship of the Greek artisans who created it.
The researchers involved in this study are astrophysicists, and the analysis techniques they used are typically employed in the study of gravitational waves. Both fields share a common approach, as they examine existing data to deduce what is missing. This research has been published in The Horological Journal. It is fascinating to note that techniques used today to study the Universe are being employed to understand a mechanism that helped people keep track of the heavens nearly two millennia ago.
