Special Lecture and Viewing Night: The Antikythera Mechanism

Join us for a lecture at Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory as we connect with two international experts to learn about the enigmatic Antikythera Mechanism. Dr. Xenophon Moussas and Dr. Julio Saucedo Morales will join us via Zoom from Greece and Mexico for an hour-long lecture about the mysterious device discovered in a shipwreck off the coast of the Greek island Antikythera in 1901. Following the lecture and Q&A session with the audience, Dyer Observatory will host an extended telescope viewing session (weather permitting) for attendees to view the Moon, Saturn, and possibly a few other celestial targets!

The Antikythera Mechanism, an astonishing feat of ancient Greek science and engineering, is a sophisticated astronomical computer programmed with gears that predicts celestial events with precision. This talk will first introduce the mechanism, explaining its function, structure, and how it models the movements of the Sun, Moon, and possibly the planets.

In the second part, we will explore the intricate cosmic resonances embedded in the device used for the calendars and prediction of celestial phenomena. The 8-year cycle of Venus and the Moon-Sun-Earth relationships play a crucial role in ancient calendrical systems, including the Olympic cycle. Additionally, we will examine the lunisolar synchronization behind the 19-year Metonic cycle, the 76-year Callippic cycle, and the Saros cycle for eclipse prediction—each representing a cosmic dance of celestial bodies. Finally, the unexpected 462- and 442-year resonances mentioned in the device's manual suggest an even deeper astronomical understanding than previously assumed.

As a bonus, we will highlight how a team at Universidad de Sonora and Mexico's Relojes Olvera created the world's only scaled-up and fully-functional replica of the 2000-year-old Mechanism, introducing ancient genius into a modern world.

Dr. Xenophon Moussas is a professor of Space Physics (ret.) at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He earned his BSc in Physics (1971) and a Ph.D. (1977) from the from National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Dr. Moussas has served for 40 years as Head of the Space Physics group that he established, Director of the Laboratory of Astrophysics of the University of Athen (for 30 years), Director of the University Astronomical Observatory, and Senator of the University of Athens. His research interests include space physics (solar wind, the Sun, heliosphere, and cosmic rays), Titan, Enceladus, Mars, the history of astronomy, and, of course, the Antikythera Mechanism.

Dr. Moussas has created hundreds of exhibitions (in 14 languages) about the earliest known computer and the history of Greek astronomy and astrophysics around the world (NASA, UNESCO, The Parthenon, several Museums, Planetaria, Universities, and numerous schools).

is a professor of physics at the Department of Research in Physics of Universidad de Sonora (UNISON). He has a BSc in Physics at UNISON, a MSc in Physics at ASU and a PhD in Astronomy at The University of Arizona (2000). His main topics of interest are extragalactic astronomy, asteroids, cultural astronomy, astronomy education and outreach. He has published several scientific publications and delivered hundreds of talks both at professional conferences and for the public. He has created infrastructures such as astronomical observatories and planetariums. He is a member of the team that built the Monumental Antikythera Mechanism of Hermosillo (MAMH), a giant functional replica of the Antikythera Mechanism. He uses his photography hobby in public outreach and education efforts on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube. In 2004 he was recognized as founder of Astronomy at the University of Sonora, and in 2005 he received the Hipparchus prize from The Hellenic Physical Society.

• This talk is recommended for teens and adults.
• A PROMO CODE is available for Vanderbilt students for free tickets. Please email the organizer from your vanderbilt.edu email to get the active code.
• JOIN THE WAITLIST if tickets are not available! We will move the talk to the scenic tented back patio with the jumbo screen if weather allows. This will make 100 more seats available. You will be emailed with further instructions the week of the event if more tickets become available.
• LIVESTREAM the talk for free: https://www.youtube.com/@dyerobservers/streams

• You do not need to bring a printed ticket; there will be a guest list at the gate.
• Because this is a historic museum setting, we ask attendees to be mindful of the delicate nature of our exhibits and equipment and watch your children carefully. No running or climbing is permitted anywhere on the grounds or in the building.
• Dress in layers for maximum conformt because the telescopes are in an open dome and outside. Closed-toe footwear is suggested because of gravel on the grounds and on the roof.
• The roof is delicate. Please do not play with the gravel or drag your feet through it. Damage can easily occur.
• If your plans change and you cannot attend, you may invite someone you know to use your tickets/names for entry OR notify observatory staff to release your ticket for others.
• You and members of your group understand that we may take photos that include you for social media or other uses and that we cannot prevent you from being photographed by others.
• Please be considerate of other guests and do not hold up the line with photos through the telescope. With the attendant's permission, you may attempt a photo after the line clears.
• Because this is Vanderbilt University property, firearms and smoking are not allowed.
• Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Accessibility:

• The exhibits on the main floor are easily accessible.
• The Seyfert Telescope is on the second floor and is only accessible by twenty steps, split by a large landing.
• Please let us know when you get your tickets if someone in your group cannot climb the stairs, so we may attempt to make some accommodation with another telescope if skies are clear enough for viewing.
• Notify the gate attendant if you have special parking needs.
• There is ample seating in the library for resting.

Address: 1000 Oman Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 (NOT on the main Vanderbilt campus)

Cost: $10.00 . Each person must have their own reservation. Infants do not require tickets.

There is a limit of 10 tickets per order, but you may create another order to buy more tickets.

NO TICKETS ARE SOLD AT THE DOOR. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES. THIS IS A CLEAR OR CLOUDY EVENT.

Should I still come if it is cloudy or bad weather?

Yes! We will only cancel the event if the weather is dangerous. We will give you the option of attending a make-up date or your money will be refunded. We always recommend checking our website before heading up for last-minute announcements.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

All ages are welcome, but we recommend teens and adults because of the level of the talk and the fragility of the historic exhibits and instruments.

What are my transportation/parking options?

We have a large gravel parking lot in front of the observatory. There is no fee to park. We have parking attendants on hand to direct you to a spot. Ride share services are welcome.

How may I register a large group?

PUBLIC ATTENDEES: We do not have a way to register large groups and collect payment. You may have one person from your group order all of the tickets while registration is open or have each member of your group register individually. Please note that tickets sell out quickly, sometimes within hours, so plan accordingly.

VANDERBILT ATTENDEES: Please contact us BEFORE registration opens to discuss entry options.

What can I bring?

Curiosity! We also encourage a camera for taking photos which you may share to social media @dyerobservers. We ask that you not bring in food or drinks.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You may message us through Eventbrite or email ZHllcm9ic2VydmF0b3J5IHwgdmFuZGVyYmlsdCAhIGVkdQ==

What's the refund policy?

Due to our fixed costs, we cannot offer refunds, but you may invite someone else to use your name at the gate for entry if you are unable to attend. We cannot transfer your ticket to another date.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. Just give the name(s) you registered under for entry. We will have a guest list at the gate.

Do you have free tickets?

We charge to cover our staff, supplies, and parking costs, but if the cost is burden to you or your family, we welcome you to contact us so we may arrange acommodation. Please contact us before an event sells out. Vanderbilt students may contact us for a promo code for free tickets. Please email us from your Vanderbilt email account.

We also are frequently asked if there is a dress code. We do not have one, but we ask that you wear what would be appropriate in a setting with children. Dress comfortably. We suggest closed-toe shoes for walking through the gravel parking lot and on the roof. As the telescope domes are not heated/cooled, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. The exhibit area in the main building is climate controlled.

Also check out other Workshops in Brentwood, Exhibitions in Brentwood, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Brentwood.