The Antikythera Mechanism

Presentation by Dr. Barbara Anthony-Twarog. Professor
Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Kansas

In 1900, sponge divers discovered an ancient shipwreck off the island of Antikythera, Greece. Believed to be a trading ship that sunk in the first century BC, the wreck yielded statues, amphoras, and a strange set of brass gears in a wooden frame. This set of dials, gear wheels and plates, sitting at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea for 2,000 years, became an archeological puzzle that would completely change our view of the ancient world.

What it is, how it was deciphered, and its link to astronomy will be discussed in this presentation. Archaelogy, astronomy, history and technology combined!

Who: Everyone is welcome, free of charge
What: NEKAAL General Meeting
When: Thursday, March 27th, 7:00 PM
Where: Topeka Shawnee-County Public Library, Menninger Room, second floor
Why: Because it's interesting and fun!