From Antikythera to the Square Kilometre Array: Lessons from the Ancients

Abstracts




Name: Tzioumis, Tasso
E-mail: tasso.tzioumis@csiro.au Affiliation: CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Introduction to the workshop
Abstract: I will present the background and a brief introduction to this workshop, for both participants and the local community.



Name: Tingay, Steven
E-mail: s.tingay@curtin.edu.au Affiliation: ICRAR - Curtin University
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Are modern computer models a substitute for physical models - the SKA case
Abstract: The SKA is arguably the largest and most complex scientific instrument ever developed, requiring a leap in complexity relative to technology perhaps comparable to the development of the Antikythera device. The design and prototyping of the SKA is obviously a massive task and relies heavily on computer models of both the instrument and the Universe. Can computers and models be a substitute for physical models, in the case of the SKA? I\'ll discuss this question and point out the pros and cons of computer models in this context.



Name: Seiradakis, John
E-mail: jhs@astro.auth.gr Affiliation: Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: The Antikythera Mechanism: From the bottom of the sea to the scrutiny of modern technology
Abstract: The Antikythera Mechanism was found by chance, in a shipwreck, close to the small Greek island of Antikythera, in April 1900, by sponge divers. The shipwreck was dated between 86 and 67 B.C. (coins from Pergamon). Later the Mechanism was stylistically dated, around the second half of the 2nd century B.C. (100 – 150 B.C.). About this time the great Greek astronomer Hipparchos (190 – 120 B.C.) lived in Rhodes. It was a portable (laptop-size), geared mechanism which calculated and displayed, with high precision, the movement of the Sun and the Moon on the sky and the phase of the Moon for a given epoch. It could also calculate the dates of the four-year cycle of the Olympic Games. It had one dial on the front and two on the back. Its 30, precisely cut, gears were driven by a manifold, with which the user could select, with the help of a pointer, any particular epoch (at the front dial). While doing so, several pointers were synchronously driven by the gears, to show the above mentioned celestial phenomena on several accurately marked annuli. It contained an extensive user’s manual. The exact function of the gears has finally been decoded and a large portion of the manual (~3000 letters) has been read after 2000 years by a major new investigation, using state of the art equipment. Based on new surface photography and high resolution tomography data, a new model has been built at the Aristotle University, revealing the technological abilities of ancient greeks. No complicated geared instruments are known before the Antikythera Mechanism and for several centuries after. Therefore, this astronomical device stands out as an extraordinary proof of high tech in ancient times.



Name: John Storey
E-mail: j.storey@unsw.edu.au Affiliation: University of New South Wales
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Plato - from Greek philosopher to Antarctic observatory
Abstract: Plato's (429-347 B.C.E.) views on experimental science (including astronomy) are often characterised as placing more emphasis on ideas and "modelling" than on experiment or observation, which provide only an imperfect, corrupted image of the underlying mathematical perfection. Thus, solar system bodies must follow perfect circles - an idea that became firmly entrenched and led some two centuries after Plato's death to the construction of the Antikythera mechanism. It is therefore with some irony that any observatory would be named PLATO - especially one that goes to great lengths to measure properties of the Antarctic sky that might otherwise be successfully calculated. This highlights an important question for all astronomical site testing - what really needs to be measured, and what can we simply "know" from existing models? This talk will review the knowns and unknowns of site testing, with particular reference to unexplored areas of the remote Antarctic plateau.



Name: WOLTJER, Lodewijk
E-mail: ulla.dw@bluewin.ch Affiliation:
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: A Bridge too far ?
Abstract: In our book \"Surviving 1,000 Centuries; can we do it?\" published by Springer (NY) Roger Bonnet and I have addressed the question of the longevity of our society and very briefly also of the future of science. Here I examine the latter question from an economic and from a cultural point of view. I express doubts as to whether science can really be an \"Endless Frontier\" as proclaimed in the title of the Report to the US President by Vannevar Bush in 1945 which was at the origin of the science enterprise as we know it today.



Name: Jones, Alexander
E-mail: alexander.jones@nyu.edu Affiliation: Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, New York University
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: The Antikythera Mechanism and the Public Face of Hellenistic Science
Abstract: While the functions of the Antikythera Mechanism (i.e. what information it displayed) are now mostly known, its purpose remains an open question. Was it truly a \"computer,\" designed to yield specific data for some application? Or was it primarily a didactic instrument or a prestige object? In this talk, I will interpret the Mechanism as an instrument of education and popularization, part of the interface between astronomical research and the educated nonscientific elite of its time. Greek scientists of the Hellenistic and Roman periods devoted considerable energies to making at least parts of their endeavors intelligible and meaningful to lay readers, spectators and audiences, all the time trying to steer a difficult course between trivialization and impenetrable technicality. The Mechanism represents a particularly felicitous way of dealing with this challenge.



Name: Liang, Haida
E-mail: haida.liang@ntu.ac.uk Affiliation: Nottingham Trent University
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Contribution of Astronomy to the Study of Art Conservation and Archaeology
Abstract: The application of Physics to art history, art conservation and archaeology is currently a growing area of research. Astronomy and astrophysics have made significant contribution to imaging science which has in turn contributed to the developments of many other fields ranging from biological science to the study of art history, archaeology and art conservation. This talk will discuss how knowledge traditionally associated with astrophysics have made impact on the study of art conservation, art history and archaeology. Examples will be drawn from recent research carried out in the speaker’s research group.



Name: MOUSSAS,XENOPHON
E-mail: xmoussas@phys.uoa.gr Affiliation: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Recent results from the study of Antikythera Mechanism: astronomical clock, Lunar trajectory and Archimedes
Abstract: Recent results from the study of Antikythera Mechanism: A complex astronomical clock of the 2nd century BC, Lunar trajectory, planetary gear and Archimedes signature. We will refer to the latest discoveries concerning the oldest known computer and astronomical instrument. The Antikythera Mechanism is the earliest known scientific instrument, the first computer and the oldest mechanical universe. Built by Greek scientists, probably between 150 and 100 BC and as demonstrated by our analysis is made with measurements taken by Archimedes and his students who continued after the murder of the greatest of all Mathematicians, who as implied by our results, was a physicist and astronomer. We will try to answer important questions such as who made it, and if the mechanism had forefathers? What is the likely name of the Mechanism in antiquity, probable uses and why we do not have other examples of similar mechanisms? The instrument is an exact dedicated astronomical complex analog computer that works with carefully designed and manufactured gears with very small teeth. The gears perform appropriate mathematical operations as they move around the axes and shafts. The movement of the pinion moves indicators that give the position of various heavenly bodies, the Sun, the Moon and possibly the planets. Five years ago we discovered that the Lunar trajectory followed in the mechanism to a good approximation Kepler’s second law. Of particular importance is the recent discovery that the motion of the moon, as it is evident by a link between two eccentric gears gives more precise orbit than initially thought, probably following three laws of Kepler. Finally we will present evidence for planetary gears.



Name: MOUSSAS,XENOPHON
E-mail: xmoussas@phys.uoa.gr Affiliation: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Type of presentation: Poster
Title: Exhibition of Antikythera Mechanism (SEVERAL POSTERS)
Abstract: Astronomy the oldest science developed as humans that have been watching the sky for centuries and millennia started attempting to understand all celestial motions, of the stars, the Sun, the Moon and finally the planets. This eventually led them to try to understand their existence in the Cosmos. This was the birth of Philosophy and Humanity. Humans develop calendars form prehistoric times and for this they develop mathematics and astronomy. The Antikythera Mechanism is the oldest known astronomical instrument and astronomical computer that we have in hands, probably made between 150 and 100 BC, by a Greek mechanic and astronomer with excellent knowledge of mathematics. It has been found in an ancient shipwreck of the 1st century BC that was on its way from Greece to Rome with tones of Greek treasures (about 100 marble and bronze statues), merchandise or official war lute. The Antikythera Mechanism looks like an oxidized grand mother’s clock made of bronze gears. The Mechanism is an Astronomical instrument suitable for: Observations, Astronomical computer Calendar mechanism, Meteorological or Climatological device, School demonstration device, Show up to friends, Measure Geographic latitude, Measure Geographic longitude (with the Moon Mechanism, Hipparchus), suitable for Cartography and Navigation. It calculates the position of the Sun, the position of the Moon, the phases of the Moon during the month, It predicts the eclipses of the Sun and the Moon. It has several complicated calendars, based on the:Solar year (Egyptian Calendar), the four year Olympiad period, The lunisolar Saros period, 18 years 11 days and 8 hours, which predicts the solar and lunar eclipses, The lunisolar Exeligmos, 54 years and one month (equal to 3 Saros cycles) , which predicts more accurately the solar and lunar eclipses. The lunisolar Meton’s 19 years which is used today to calculate the Christian Easter, and the 19 year cycle of Hebrew calendar. The lunisolar Callippus cycles 76 years, which is multiple of Meton’s cycle and more accurate. The exhibition consists of: • some 20 panels describing the Mechanism and giving the history of science in Greece, • two interactive computer programs with simulations of the Mechanism, • a short movie and • several interactive 3D photographs of the Mechanism. We need: • space for the panels, a couple of computers, • perhaps a DVD player with large plasma display or equivalent.



Name: X. Moussas, P. Preka-Papadema C. Caroubalos, A. Kontogeorgos, P. Tsitsipis A. Hilaris, J-L Bougeret, M Macsimovic
E-mail: xmoussas@phys.uoa.gr Affiliation: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, LESIA, Observatoire de Paris, TEI Lamias, Greece
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: ARTEMIS fifteen years of a solar radiospectrograph
Abstract: ARTEMIS is a francohellenic solar radio spectrograph that has been constructed and operated very successfully for more than fifteen years at Thermopylae (OTE Satellite Station since 1996), in the middle of Greece, by LESIA of the Observatoire de Paris a Meudon and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in close collaboration with the Technological Institution of Lamia, Greece. It has been improved seceral times over the years. Observations now cover the whole frequency range from 20 to 650 MHz. The spectrograph has the old 7-meter moving parabolic antenna for 110 to 650MHz and a new stationary antenna for the 20 to 110 MHz. Two receivers operate in parallel, a sweep frequency for the whole range (10 spectrums/sec, 630 channels/spectrum) and one acousto-optical receiver for the range 270 to 470 MHz (100 spectrums/sec, 128 channels/spectrum). The data acquisition system consists of two PCs (equipped with 12 bit, 225ksamples/sec DAC, one for every receiver) Windows operating system, connected through Ethernet. The operation is fully automated: pointing the antenna to the sun, starting the observations at sunrise and ending them at sunset, data acquisition. Archiving on DVDs is made manually once a week. ARTEMIS data is used either by itself to study in detail solar radio bursts or in conjunction with other instruments including the Nancay Decametric Array, STEREO A and B WAVES experiment, the WIND/WAVES. It usually operates 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset. We have had several collaborations and our quick look data are available almost real time. Several tens of scientific articles have been published over the years and we welcome colaborations. Data http://web.cc.uoa.gr/~artemis/ http://web.cc.uoa.gr/~artemis/Artemis4_list.html



Name: MOUSSAS, XENOPHON
E-mail: xmoussas@phys.uoa.gr Affiliation: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, LESIA, Observatoire de Paris, TEI Lamias, Greece
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: EARLY GREEK ASTROPHYSICS
Abstract: It is believed that has Astrophysics has started only at the second half of the 19th century. But in fact astrophysics is the root of all philosophy and science and goes back at the first Physicists Ionian and pre-Socratic philosopher (Physikoi Philosophoi) during the 7th Century b.C. Astrophysics is a very important component of present day civilization, that basis of philosophy, the begining of reason and scientific thought that started back at the time of pre-Socratic philosophy. All technology and science that we have today has pased through the Ionian philosophers, who open the road of natural philosophy and philosophy in general and science and technology too. This book has been written and published using the principles and techniques that have their roots to logic and science developed by Plato and Aristotle and taken gradually around the world with Alexander. Since the dawn of humanity, humans observe the sky and try to understand the cosmic environment. This is the beginning of astronomy and civilization. This is part of the continuous struggle of humans to survive in a hostile environment at prehistoric times, with wild animals, cold weather and primitive societies. Astronomy it seems it is in human nature in many ways. According to a popular etymology the world Anthropos, human in Greek, means the one that looks up, the one that observes the sky. Humans, unlike other living creatures look up and not down, as animals do to collect their food. Of course there are some birds that we know that they find their way using the position of some stars at night, but this is outside the scope of this article. Humans observing the universe discover the harmony of the motions of celestial bodies. Night after night they observe the circular motion of stars “around” them, around the Earth. They observe the repetition of movements of the stars, the reappearance of the Moon, they set the length of time that we call month, they observe the changing position of sunrise and sunset during the year and the very important change of the altitude of the Sun over the horizon during the year. They develop reasoning. Humans develop Mathematics and Physics for astronomy and to keep calendars. Humans study the trajectories of celestial bodies and try to reproduce them with mathematics. At the same time they study the nature of celestial bodies and the cosmos. They understand that there are laws of Nature. In the Orphic Hymns we read: I call the celestial law, the star positioning, that sets order to the stars. Thales (624-546 BC) is probably the first to use scientific reasoning to explain nature. He was a mathematician, astronomer, engineer and meteorologist. Establishes Geometry with Theorems and proofs. Pythagoras of Samos (570-500 BC) gives theoretical proof of the Pythagorean theorem and systematically studies the numbers. Of great importance is the fact that he performs some systematic experiments with measurements and understands that the Universe and everything in Nature has to be described in numbers. Heraclitus (6th-5th CBC) proposes that matter is made of four elements: fire, air, water, earth. All substances come from these simple bodies that he terms elements. Introduced dialectics, causality, humans are responsible for their fate. Anaxagoras (500/488-428 BC) understands that celestial bodies are not gods but are made of matter. He comes to Athens from Ionia (Asia Minor, Aegean coast) and establishes a school (University). This changes drastically the course of Philosophy, as he puts the seeds of philosophy in Athens. His most important pupil was the great statesman Pericles who changes completely Athens to a very important city-state with Acropolis and the Parthenon. Anaxagoras School in Athens puts the foundations to the Academy of Plato and Lyceum of Aristotle and establishes Philosophy, as we know it. Anaximander (610-545 BC) introduced the term Principle, constructed the first map of the Earth, solar clocks, introduced the first theory of evolution of species, life comes from the water, where some worms developed first, humans come from a kind of shark that has fetus similar to human. Measured the change of the inclination of solar altitude during the year (solstices, equinoxes). Anaximenis (585-525 BC) introduced a mechanical model for the Universe. Defines stars and planets as different celestial objects. He also studies the cycle of water (evaporation, clouds, rain, snow, rainbow). Leucippus (b. 480 BC) and later his student Democritus (460.-370.BC) established causality. They established the atomic theory for the matter. Matter is made of atoms, the smallest possible particles that cannot be divided further. Leucippus (and Democritus) atoms are what today physicists call elementary particles that make matter and not what we call today atoms. The Universe is made of a large vortex of atoms. The heaviest atoms go to the center; The Universe is made of matter that is initially in fluid form. Matter heats up due to the fast rotation. Stars are made of this hot matter. Earth is made of a fast rotating atoms that form a vortex. The stars are made of fast rotating vortices of atoms and become hot as they rotate very fast. The Sun gets additional heat from the stars. There are an infinite number of Cosmoi (Earths or Solar Systems or Universes) and stars in the Universe. They are made of an infinite number of atoms and they are in an infinite space. Vision is caused by images of the objects we see that enter into our eyes through the pupil of the eye. The Galaxy is made of many stars, that we cannot see as we do not see the atoms matter is made of. Worlds (planets and stars) are created and die . Plato (429-347 BC) is the most important Greek philosopher. Extremely influential to philosophy. He puts provocative, fundamental and profound questions to be answered, following his teacher Socrates. Influenced by Socrates to his methods and by philosopher Cratylus, student of Heraclitus, to his view of the Cosmos. He adopts the Ideas, of Socrates, that preexist and of which real objects are just mere shadows or projections. He believes in the great importance of mathematics in understanding the Universe and in Philosophy too. He writes in the door of his School, the Academy, Do not enter if you do not know mathematics. Plato’s elementary particles are triangles. Everything in the Universe is made of them. Combination of these triangles (Plato’s elementary particles) give Plato’s «chemical elements»: the tetrahedron or pyramid for the fire (made of 24 triangles), the octahedron (made of 48 triangles) for the air, the icosahedrons (made of 120 triangle) for the water and the cube (made of 24 triangles) for the earth. Aristotle, from Macedonia, Greece, the most important student of Plato has been extremely influential for centuries in Christianity as well as in the Muslim world. He has been extremely influential to his most important student, Alexander the Great. He establishes his School in Athens, the Lyceum (which has been excavated recently downtown Athens, Greece). Thousands of students study in the Lyceum. The influence of the school of Aristotle in Athens is enormous for the entire World, especially the modern world. Aristotle influences enormously Alexander the Great, Alexander’s education is exclusively made by Aristotle who for a long period returns to Macedonia, to King Philipp the 2nd of Macedonia, to exclusively educate his son, Alexander. The new prince gets a proper philosophical education by Aristotle, including mathematics and science and logic. Alexander becomes probably the first king that understands the importance of science, not just technology, for military operations and it is said that he had Homer’s books continuously with him during all the military campaigns around the then known world. Alexander has with him not only Homer but scientists and philosophers that accompany him not only offering scientific advices, but who gather all important scientific information, collecting new unknown species of plants, astronomical knowledge etc. The Museum and the Library of Alexandria are children of the Lyceum. The Aristotelian model for the motion of the Stars, the Sun, the Moon and the planets is the one of Eudoxus and Callippus with 59 nested concentric to the Earth spheres. The role of small city-states, democracy and organization of societies as well as the influence of Alexander the Great will be discussed too.



Name: Ramsey, Andrew
E-mail: andrew.ramsey@nikonmetrology.com Affiliation: Nikon Metrology (formerly X-Tek Systems Ltd)
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: X-ray Tomography of the Antikythera Mechanism
Abstract: An \"in-depth\" explanation of how X-ray tomography revealed the secrets of the world\'s most ancient astronomical calculator, this talk will describe how X-Tek Systems Ltd, at the time a small UK-based X-ray company, developed a high resolution, high voltage X-ray source, took an 8-tonne cabinet to Greece and probed the secrets of surely the most fascinating artefact of ancient Greek culture. I will explain how X-ray computed tomography (CT) works, how we were able to see beneath the corrosion, count gear teeth and read inscriptions which had lain unread for 2000 years at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea.



Name: Freeth, Tony
E-mail: tony@images-first.com Affiliation: Antikythera Mecahnism Research Project
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Building the Cosmos in the Antikythera Mechanism
Abstract: In 1905-06, the great German philologist, Albert Rehm, proposed that the Antikythera Mechanism not only calculated the Sun, Moon and stars, but the planets as well—that it was a mechanical Cosmos. Though Rehm got the structure completely wrong, we believe that his ideas were essentially correct. In more recent times, further ideas by Derek de Solla Price and Michael Wright have significantly developed the idea. Tony Freeth and Alexander Jones have recently published a paper in ISAW Papers, “The Cosmos in the Antikythera Mechanism”, which includes compelling evidence that the front of the Antikythera Mechanism was indeed a mechanical Cosmos. The evidence is from several sources: • Quotes by Cicero from the classical literature describe mechanical devices that were models of the Cosmos—notably those made by Archimedes (3rd century BC) and Posidonios (1st century BC). • A detailed analysis of the inscriptions on the Antikythera Mechanism—newly read using X-ray tomography—strongly reinforce the idea. The Back Cover inscriptions describe an ancient Greek geocentric Cosmos, displayed at the front. The Front Cover inscriptions give detailed calibration information about the synodic phases of the planets. • A new model shows in detail how the planets can be incorporated into the Mechanism. This model is the first since the Mechanism’s discovery in 1901 that matches all the evidence and explains many puzzling features of the fragments. This presentation focuses on the structure of the new Cosmos model. The mechanical principles on which it is based exactly mirror the known “pin-and-slot” device in the Antikythera Mechanism, which models the lunar anomaly with a simplicity amounting to genius. The way that the proposed planetary mechanisms fit exactly into the Mechanism is beautiful and elegant: a persuasive extrapolation of the evidence that we already have from the fragments.



Name: Anastasiou Magdalini
E-mail: anastasiou@astro.auth.gr Affiliation: Aristotle University, Department of Physics, Section of Astrophysics, Astronomy and Mechanics
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Positional astronomy and the Parapegma of the Antikythera Mechanism
Abstract: Among the surviving inscriptions of the Antikythera Mechanism, there is a portion of a list of star and constellation risings and settings, known as a parapegma. The largest part of this list cites nine consecutive astronomical events. These events take place periodically once a year and their sequence is sensitively dependent on geographic latitude. In order to calculate the dates of these visible risings and settings, a software program has been written, from first principles, using the Mathematica software package. The equatorial coordinates of the Sun and the stars for 150 B.C. were used. They were calculated taking into account the precession of the equinoxes, the decrease of the obliquity of the ecliptic, nutation and aberration, as well as, for the stars, the effects of proper motion. The visibility of a star at its position on the sky was determined by comparing its apparent magnitude with the sky background brightness. Atmospheric extinction and atmospheric refraction were also taken into account. The dates of the occurrence of these events were calculated for geographic latitudes between 25°N − 45°N. The sequence of the events and their position among the signs of the zodiac give a best fit between 33.3°N − 37.0°N which includes Rhodes and marginally Syracuse.



Name: kesteven
E-mail: michael.kesteven@csiro.au Affiliation: CSIRO (CASS)
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Surface Analysis with Photogrammetry
Abstract: Photogrammetry is a powerful technique for determining the 3-dimensional structure of large objects (such as radio telescopes), based on photography. The theory has long been understood, probably since the time of the pyramids; the implementation required modern digital cameras. I will give a brief outline of the system, drawing on recent work on radiotelescopes.



Name: Edmunds, Mike
E-mail: mge@astro.cf.ac.uk Affiliation: Cardiff University and AMRP
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Before and after the Antikythera Mechanism
Abstract: How widespread were machines like the Antikythera Mechanism in the ancient World? Did they influence views about Cosmology? Why and when did the technology disappear and then reappear? I will attempt to address these difficult issues by looking at both literature sources and the actual nature of the technology.



Name: Garrett, Michael Albert
E-mail: dijk@astron.nl Affiliation: ASTRON
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Unraveling the Nature of Hanny\'s Voorwerp
Abstract: Hanny\'s Voorwerp is one of the signature discoveries to emerge from the Galaxy Zoo project. This galactic scale nebula was discovered by citizen scientist - Hanny van Arkel - a Dutch school teacher from Heerlen. The nature of the Voorwerp (\"Object\" in dutch) is currently a topic of some debate. WSRT observations suggest that the nebula is probably associated with material that has been stripped from a galaxy during an encounter with another system. One hypothesis is that the nearby galaxy IC2497 hosts a quasar which irradiated the nebula some 100 million years ago but has subsequently switched off. I will present recent high resolution radio observations of the system, together with the latest X-ray and HST results.



Name: Garrett, Michael
E-mail: garrett@astron.nl Affiliation: ASTRON & Leiden University
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Aperture Arrays - Past, Present & Future
Abstract: I will present a brief history of the contribution dipole (aperture) arrays have made to radio astronomy - from Jansky's merry-go-round to LOFAR, from the Jocelyn Bell's 4 acre array, to APERTIF and ASKAP. I will briefly consider how aperture array technology is being used in other fields with specific reference to radio astronomy's strong synergy with developments in radar systems. Looking towards the future and the SKA, I will argue that we must build a telescope that is really bold and inspirational, not incremental or more of the same, only larger. Like the makers of the Antikythera device, let's amaze future generations with our ambition and vision, with our courage to build something that no man has built before!



Name: Zarb Adami, Kristian
E-mail: kza@astro.ox.ac.uk Affiliation: University of Oxford
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: From Mechanical to Optical: Beamforming in Radio Astronomy
Abstract: Throughout the ages, various implementations of beamforming mechanisms for radio arrays have been implemented, ranging from kerosene beamformers to optical beamformers. In this talk, I will give a review of beamforming techniques over the ages and describe new beamforming architectures scalable to the Square Kilometre Array and beyond.



Name: Saul, Martin
E-mail: msaul@phys.unsw.edu.au Affiliation: UNSW
Type of presentation: Poster
Title: The Differential in Astronomy : Past to Present
Abstract: The mechanism of epicyclic gearing in the Antikythera is considered along with modern techniques in observational astronomy such as measuring differential delays.



Name: Ekers, Ron
E-mail: ron.ekers@csiro.au Affiliation: CSIRO
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Linking modern and ancient technology
Abstract: I will outline the structure of the conference with emphasis on generating cross disciplinary discussions and cross fertilization between the participants. This may be as an introductry talk, or as short introductions to some of the sessions.



Name: Schediwy, Sascha.
E-mail: sascha.schediwy@uwa.edu.au Affiliation: University of Western Australia
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: A Clock for the Square Kilometre Array
Abstract: The Antikythera device is mechanical calendar with a level of technological complexity and precision unprecedented in its time. Similarly, the Square Kilometre Array telescope will be the largest and most complex astronomical instrument to date, with individual telescopes spread across continental scales. One of the most complex technical challenges of such an extended array is the coherent combination of astronomical signals collected independently by its many remote telescopes. Astronomical observations are therefore required to be time-stamped with clock signals of exquisite accuracy and precision. Traditionally, these signals were provided by separate atomic clocks installed at each telescope site. However, the scale of the SKA makes the cost of operating and maintaining such an ensemble of complex and expensive atomic clocks extremely difficult. Our consortium of researchers is developing a novel solution which turns the problem on its head. We plan to recycle the optical fibre network, used to transport the astronomical data to the Square Kilometre Array's central processing node, to also distribute high-quality time and frequency signals to each telescope. To compensate for thermal, acoustic, and mechanical fluctuations of the optical fibre, we are developing active stabilisation schemes which work across continental scales. Just as the Antikythera mechanism in its day, our work brings together cutting edge technological innovations with astronomical science of the highest precision.



Name: Bos, Niels
E-mail: bos@astro.rug.nl Affiliation: Kapteyn Astronomical Institute & Department of History, University of Groningen
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: The Antikythera Mechanism: a census of planetary extensions.
Abstract: The Antikythera Mechanism is one of the most extraordinary examples of Greek technological development and expertise known from Antiquity. This amazing piece of geared technology could best be described as a complex mechanical computer from the second century B.C., which tracks and predicts various cycles for � and related to � the Sun and the Moon. One of the many intriguing questions surrounding the mechanism is whether the movements of the planets were also described by the device. Various indications have been found supporting the existence of some sort of planetary representation. However, no actual evidence of this has been found in the surviving fragments of the Antikythera Mechanism. In this contribution, I will discuss our analysis and statistical study of possible planetary extensions (see Bos, Van de Weygaert & Pel, 2012). We argue for a gear work design to represent the locations of the planets along the Zodiac and we present a framework of boundary conditions to restrict the number of gear train reconstructions. By using 3D CAD-modeling software we are able to make reconstructions of the Antikythera Mechanism including a planetary extension.



Name: Jauncey, David
E-mail: david.jauncey@csiro.au Affiliation: CASS & MSO
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: SHEVE\'82 and the Coming of Age of Southern Hemisphere VLBI
Abstract: 1982 saw the setting up of the first Southern HEmisphere VLBI Experiment (SHEVE) VLBI array. This was the first in a series of southern hemisphere VLBI astronomy, astrometry and geodesy observations which continues today. It was also Tasso\'s introduction to VLBI in his 30th year and thus predates these Workshops, which celebrate Tasso\'s 50th, 55th and now 60th year. Authors: David Jauncey and Robert Preston



Name: Cornwell, Tim
E-mail: tim.cornwell@csiro.au Affiliation: CSIRO/CASS
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Exploiting measurement diversity in radio interferometry
Abstract: Synthesis radio telescopes have been in use for over 50 years. The basis idea is straightforward: synthesise an aperture by painstakingly measuring all the Fourier components that a filled aperture would incorporate directly. Scientists being naturally greedy, it was soon realised that not all Fourier components are actually needed for typical images, and also that some Fourier components could be measured by what is often called diversity. In this terminology, Earth Rotation Synthesis could be called Hour Angle Diversity. Space-Frequency equivalence leads to the idea of Multi-Frequency diversity. Mosaicing can be viewed as pointing diversity. etc. etc. More recently more powerful forms of diversity have been exploited to image the polarisation structure in an image. Two techniques, Rotation Measure Synthesis and Faraday Rotation Synthesis, are particularly interesting since they show evolution of the techniques within only a few years. I will discuss the progression of our ambition in exploiting diversity, and what remains to be done.



Name: Frater, Bob
E-mail: Bob.Frater@resmed.com.au Affiliation: ResMed
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: You can’t design what you can’t conceive
Abstract: In looking at the Antikythera mechanism and its purpose, one wonders on how the multidisciplinary knowledge and skills in mathematics, astronomy, geometry, mechanics and craftsmanship could have come together under a “system thinker” leader to produce something so far ahead of its time. One is compelled to ponder on the environment that allowed this. In this paper, I consider the work of some of the radio astronomy pioneers who were my mentors and look at the environment in which they produced breakthrough ideas and the benefits that flowed through for radioastronomy and to me as an individual. My overwhelming conclusion is that similar conditions must have existed at the time the Antikythera mechanism was devised and built.



Name: Roumeliotis Manos
E-mail: manos@uom.gr Affiliation: University of Macedonia
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Are the modern computer simulations a substitute for physical models? The Antikythera case
Abstract: Computer simulation is a modeling and verification tool that is used primarily for mathematical, dynamic, arithmetic models. It is particularly suitable for the study of complex multivariable systems, the verification of a design before the machine is actually built, and the analysis of probabilistic systems. In the case of the Antikythera Mechanism we are faced with a completely deterministic system with a single input. However, the operation of this fascinating mechanism is not known in its entirety, derived only by the parts of the mechanism that have been found and studied. Since it is considered by many to be the first portable computer ever built, it is very appropriate to use a modern date computer simulation for validating the functional description of the machine, as well as estimating the possible operation of missing parts. From identifying errors in Derek de Solla Price’s drawings, to understanding the implementation of the Hipparhos lunar orbit observations, to calculating the exact tolerances required for the construction of a physical model, the simulation of the mechanism has been proven invaluable. In addition, computer simulation is readily available to any researcher or scholar, and can even be used for educational purposes, whenever a physical model is unavailable. Even if a physical model is available and accessible, it can only be used for demonstration purposes. On the contrary, a simulation model can be easily calibrated to exact dates by computationally “turning” the gears to the required time. Then, it can be used for calculating astronomical phenomena in accordance to the mechanism’s original design, without the need for cumbersome adjustments. Finally, as new data about the Antikythera Mechanism become available, the simulation model can be easily reconfigured to take into account the new findings, while a physical model is much more difficult to modify.



Name: Papaspirou Panagiotis
E-mail: p.papaspirou973@gmail.com Affiliation: University of Athens, Physics Department, Section of Astrophysics, Astronomy and Mechanics
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Johannes Kepler: His place in Astronomy
Abstract: We shall examine the central role of the scientific work of Johannes Kepler in the science of Astronomy, and generally in the science of Physics. The heliocentric cosmological model of Johannes Kepler, combined with the introduction of his three laws of motion of the celestial objects, shall be studied in detail. The study shall be accomplished along many different directions, that is the astronomical, the celestial mechanical, the mathematical, and the philosophic. All these different dimensions play an indispensable role in his work, and are strongly interconnected to each other. They form the \"Zeitgeist\" of his era, and shape his personal contributions to Astronomy. We shall also show that Johannes Kepler stays, as an individual scientist, between two epochs, in the interregnum between the tradition of the Ptolemaic cosmological system, and its accompanying Positional Astronomy, and the emerging Newtonian revolution in Physics and Astronomy. We shall also investigate his close scientific relationship with Tycho Brahe, since this collaboration permitted him to gain access to the most accurate and exhaustive astronomical tables and ephemerides of his era. In summary,we shall present the work and the personality of one of the most prominent figures in the history of Astronomy, and Science in general.



Name: Tsavliris Lefteris
E-mail: lefteris.tsavliris@aktieng.gr Affiliation: Akti Engineering
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: The research history of the Antikythera shipwreck
Abstract: The Antikythera shipwreck was found at the beginning of the 20th Century by sponge divers close to the rocky coast of Antikythera Island. The ship’s cargo, bronze and marble statues as well as other precious objects including the famous mechanism, was recovered mostly during this period from the sponge divers under the supervision and the help of the Greek Navy. In 1976 a second archeological expedition was carried out by Jacques Yves Cousteau and his vessel Calypso under the supervision of the Greek Ministry of Culture. My experience as a member of the research diving team, together with the new findings of this period, which gave additional and more accurate information about the ship, the cargo, the period and the historical place of the wreck will be described.



Name: Hirabayashi Hisashi
E-mail: hirax@tbr.t-com.ne.jp Affiliation: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Ancient and Modern Technology in Japan
Abstract: I will talk about three topics from Japan; 1. Discovery of astronomical drawings in Kitora Tumulus Astronomical drawings were discovered in \"Kitora\" Tumulus in 1980s, and they were observed in non-disturbing basis by fiber scopes, and they are now preserved in air conditioned environments. 2. Wooden pagodas and Sky Tree Tower There are wooden pagodas in Buddhism temples, and lots of those stayed more than several hundred years with Horyu-ji temple\'s pagoda as world\'s oldest wooden sturucture with the age of about1,300 years. World\'s tallest radio tower Tokyo Sky Tree (634m) was opened in May 22, 2012. The pagodas have soft structure and they have independent \"center pillar \" within. Sky Tree. learnd from ancient pagodas and there is a good similarity in the structure. 3. Radio astrononomical imaging with space-VLBI World\'s first space-VLBI experiment was done by using the TDRSS satellite (world\'s tallest \"stationary\" radio relay station) with Australian and Japanese ground radio telescopes. And radio astronomical imaging observations were done with radio astronomy satellite HALCA as VSOP project with big international collaborations. Future space-VLBI has big potential, and even massive black holes could be imaged as interesting silhouettes.



Name: Zapheiropoulou Mary
E-mail: pmitrop@geol.uoa.gr Affiliation: Archaeologist- Museologist, National Archaeological Museum of Athens
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: The Antikythera shipwreck and the treasures
Abstract: In the Easter of 1900 the first ancient shipwreck to be located and seriously excavated was found by chance off the eastern coast of the tiny island of Antikythera, by sponge-fishers from the island of Syme in Dodecanese. During the underwater research the same sponge-fishers retrieved bronze and marble sculpture, mainly statues and statuettes, a large amount of pottery, at least 27 amphorae come mainly from Rhodes, Kos, Ephesos and from the coast of the Adriatic Sea, a quantity of fine plates of various sizes and cups, golden jewellery, luxury glass and silver vases, bronze fragments of furniture , the Mechanism fragments in one piece, wooden parts of the ship and other small antiquities. The cargo of the ship dates from the 4th to the1st c. B.C. The Antikythera ship was a freighter (Gr.ÏëêÜò) of about 300 tons capacity. Three hundred and seventy eight (378) ancient works of art and coins highlight the great importance and wealth of its cargo. Also the great number of sculptures and vases and other cargo not raised, aboard the ship is an important factor in determining its type and function and possibly why it sank. The ship sank around the mid 1st c. B.C (70- 50 B.C), a period during which maritime trade and transportation of works of Greek art from the Eastern Mediterranean to Italy flourished.



Name: Lazaridis Kosmas
E-mail: klazarid@gmail.com Affiliation: Department of Physics, Section of Astrophysics, Astronomy and Mechanics, Aristotle University - MPIfR
Type of presentation: Oral
Title: Pulsar Timing Arrays
Abstract: Neutron stars are unique stellar remnants with extreme properties. Their study can be the key to a number of unanswered problems in fundamental physics and astronomy, ranging from stellar evolution to strong field gravity. Especially the class of millisecond pulsars has an extremely stable rate of pulsation making them some of the most reliable clocks in the universe. The frequent observation of an array of several tens of these objects by the largest radio telescopes on Earth could lead to the first direct detection of gravitational waves. In this talk I will give an overview of the current state, efforts and future prospects of the pulsar timing array consortia and present some of the scientific results from the European Pulsar Timing Array (EPTA) collaboration.



Name: Efstathiou K., Basiakoulis A., Efstathiou M., Anastasiou M., Seiradakis J.H.
E-mail: mefsta@yahoo.gr Affiliation: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Type of presentation: Poster
Title: The Reconstruction of the Antikythera Mechanism
Abstract: A multidisciplinary team of Astronomers, Mechanical Engineers and Archaeologists at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki was engaged in the reconstruction of the Antikythera Mechanism model. What is particularly important is the fact that the dimensions of all parts of the fully operational model are exactly the same as those that were measured on the surviving fragments. In order to accurately reproduce the inscriptions of the Mechanism a new True Type font was created and used. The reconstruction is described step by step, starting from the accurate determination of the geometrical characteristics of all the gears. This is followed by the measurements and study of the axial distances of the gears and the description of the three dimensional design and simulations of all parts of the Mechanism. Finally the techniques used in order to cut the gears, axles, shafts and pointers and the method of the final assembly of the Mechanism are presented.



Name: Efstathiou K., Basiakoulis A., Efstathiou M., Anastasiou M., Seiradakis J.H.
E-mail: alexbasiak@yahoo.gr Affiliation: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Type of presentation: Poster
Title: The Reconstruction of the Antikythera Mechanism
Abstract: A multidisciplinary team of Astronomers, Mechanical Engineers and Archaeologists at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki was engaged in the reconstruction of the Antikythera Mechanism model. What is particularly important is the fact that the dimensions of all parts of the fully operational model are exactly the same as those that were measured on the surviving fragments. In order to accurately reproduce the inscriptions of the Mechanism a new True Type font was created and used. The reconstruction is described step by step, starting from the accurate determination of the geometrical characteristics of all the gears. This is followed by the measurements and study of the axial distances of the gears and the description of the three dimensional design and simulations of all parts of the Mechanism. Finally the techniques used in order to cut the gears, axles, shafts and pointers and the method of the final assembly of the Mechanism are presented.
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