The Antikythera mechanism and the Olympics

This is an aside titled 'The Antikythera mechanism and the Olympics' dated 7/31/08

Steven Popkes posts about Nature’s documentary on the Antikythera mechanism, and the machine’s relevance to the Olympics: “The Games had to happen every four years on the full moon closest to the summer solstice. Now, let’s think about that. This machine related the lunar cycle to the solar cycle– two cycles that have no natural connection…. [it] had to figure out solstices, full moons, etc., in relationship to one another, with nothing but rods and gears. And it does it beautifully.” Last year, the New Yorker had a long article about its significance. More in todays NYT.

Posted by Joanne on Jul. 31, 2008

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