This book takes the reader on an exploration of the Cosmos, from Mesopotamia and Egypt to China; it unveils the fascinating development of astronomy and mathematics. After an overview of the origins of these subjects, highlighting the contributions of Greek astronomers, the Arab culture, and Copernicus' solar system model, the book delves into the revolutionary work of Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler, Galileo Galilei, and Isaac Newton, leading to a comprehensive understanding of the solar system.

Special attention is given to the instruments used by ancient astronomers, including the most important astronomical clocks and planetary machines. In light of this, the author examines Kepler's almost unknown design of a planetary machine and offers an interpretation using virtual reality techniques.

The book also highlights the Chinese view of the Cosmos and the evolution of its astronomy and astronomical machines, offering readers a unique perspective and insight intothe relationship between astronomy and technology in different cultures.

Finally, the author provides a practical approach to understanding the construction and mechanics of astronomical machines, exploring the process of designing and manufacturing a Tellurium .

The reading is enriched with short videos of the Tellurium , along with a translation of the description of the planetary machine by Christiaan Huygens. In addition, it provides a unique glimpse into the religious influences on astronomical studies during the mid-1700s through the translation of Johann Albrecht Bengel's book Cyclus . This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of science and technology. It appeals to astronomers, mathematicians, physicists, and historians of science and technology alike, providing fascinating descriptions and insightful analysis of the vision of the Cosmos from its earliest conceptions to the present day.

Presents the concept of the Cosmos from the origin until early XIX century Highlights the relationship between astronomers and mechanics with biographies Provides an original interpretation of a planetary machine's design by Johannes Kepler

Autorentext

Daniele L.R. Marini si è laureato in Fisica all'Università degli Studi di Milano. Ha contribuito alla nascita del Dipartimento di Informatica "Giovanni degli Antoni", dove ha insegnato e condotto ricerca. È stato professore di Informatica al Politecnico di Milano, contribuendo alla creazione del corso di laurea in Disegno Industriale. Nel 1980 ha fondato una start-up per lo sviluppo di sistemi di animazione a computer, Eidos S.p.A., che ha diretto fino al 1989. Dal 2014 è in congedo. I suoi principali temi di ricerca e insegnamento, spesso pionieristici, si sono concentrati nel campo della eidomatica (computer graphics e digital imaging). Si è costantemente impegnato nella divulgazione e applicazione delle tecniche informatiche. Dal 2016 si dedica anche alla storia della tecnica e dell'astronomia. Ha pubblicato più di 200 lavori scientifici e comunicazioni a conferenze nazionali e internazionali, oltre a diversi libri, tra cui: Marini D., Bertolo M., Rizzi A., Comunicazione visiva digitale: fondamenti di Eidomatica, Addison Wesley, Milano, (2001) Rasheed S., Marini D., Rizzi A., Recognition of Colors in EEG: Planning Towards Brain-Computer Interface Applications, LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, Germania (2012) Marini D.L.R., La Prima Macchina Astronomica: Antikythera, La Voce di Hora, (2022) Marini D.L.R., The Planetary machine designed by Johannes Kepler, Giornale di Fisica, Vol. LXV, 2024 Marini D.L.R., Imago Cosmi: The Vision of the Cosmos and the History of Astronomical Machines, Springer, 2023, pubblicato anche in italiano nel 2024. L'autore è membro permanente dell'associazione IEEE, Fellow di IS&T, ex membro della ACM, e membro della British Horological Society, della Antiquarian Horological Society, della Scientific Instruments Society e della Scientific Instruments Commission.

Inhalt

Chapter 1 Introduction.- Chapter 2 Mathematics and Astronomy from Origin to Eighteenth Century.- Chapter 3 Ancient Visions of The Cosmos: Orienting, Classifying and Modeling.- Chapter 4 A Lucky Astral Conjunction.- Chapter 5 The New Vision of The Cosmos.- Chapter 6 The Instruments.- Chapter 7 The First Astronomical Machine: Antikythera.- Chapter 8 Astronomical Machines and Clocks from The Arab Times to The Renaissance.- Chapter 9 Towards Planetary Machines.- Chapter 10 Orreries and Astronomical Clocks.- Chapter 11 France and Switzerland.- Chapter 12 Blossoming in Germany and Austria: The Priestermechaniker.- Chapter 13 Chinese Philosophical and Mathematical Thought.- Chapter 14 Chinese Astronomy and Astronomical Machines.- Chapter 15 Design of a Simple Planetary Machine.- Chapter 16 Conclusion.- A. Appendix.- B. Appendix.- References.- Index.