On Thursday 26th November, Professor Robert Hannah (University of Otago, New Zealand) will reveal to us the inner workings of the Antikythera Mechanism, the most significant scientific instrument to have survived from antiquity.

The Mechanism was recovered in 1901 from a 1st century BC shipwreck off the cost of the Greek Island of Antikythera. The corroded bronze plates of over 30 interlocking gears have been subjected to scientific analysis (including radiation scans).

Many models have been constructed in attempts to unravel the workings and to help determine what this time-tracking device might have been used for. Our current understanding is that it is a predictor of astronomical positions.

Allan Bromley and Frank Percival’s model of the Antikythera Mechanism is on display at the Nicholson Museum in the exhibition “The sky’s the limit: Astronomy in Antiquity”.

Professor Robert Hannah, The Antikythera Mechanism: ‘as above, so below’ Thursday 26th November 6 pm for a 6.30 pm start $30 ($20 Friends of the Nicholson Museum, members of the Kytherean Association of Australia). Bookings essential: m.turner@usyd.edu.au; ebollen@usyd.edu.au or 93512812

Dr Elizabeth Bollen Curatorial Assistant

The Nicholson Museum The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia ph: +61 2 9351 7387 fax: +61 2 9351 7305

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