[MR] Ancient Greek Astronomy Device

[Sharon Gordon]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/space/11/30/astronomy.calculator.reut/index.html

LONDON, England (Reuters) -- An ancient astronomical calculator made at the end of the 2nd century BC was amazingly accurate and more complex than any instrument for the next 1,000 years, scientists said on Wednesday.

The Antikythera Mechanism is the earliest known device to contain an intricate set of gear wheels. It was retrieved from a shipwreck off the Greek island of Antikythera in 1901 but until now what it was used for has been a mystery.

More info and photo at website.