Imago Cosmi, 1st ed. 2023 The Vision of the Cosmos and the History of Astronomical Machines Astronomers' Universe Series

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 into the 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.

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Mathematics and Astronomy from Origin to Eighteenth Century

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 12 Blossoming in Germany and Austria: The Priestermechaniker

Chapter 14 Chinese Astronomy and Astronomical Machines

Chapter 15 Design of a Simple Planetary Machine

Chapter 16 Conclusion

A. Appendix

B. Appendix

References

Index

Daniele Marini graduated in Physics in 1972 and is currently retired. He has been Professor of Computer Science at the University of Milan and the Polytechnic University of Milan until 2014. He pioneered computer graphics research in Italy, educating and founding a start-up company in 1980 (led until 1989) to offer computer animation services. His research field encompasses digital imaging, virtual reality, colour processing and colour perception. He published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles and conference communications. He is life Member of IEEE and Member and Fellow of IS&T.

In 2016, he presented a novel approach to visual rendering of astro-photographs and, in the last years, he published several articles on astronomical photography.

His commitment with cultural events is set back in 1995, when he co-designed the first web site of Teatro alla Scala in Milan. In 1998 he was a consultant of Museo della Scienza e della Tecnica in Milan, the largest science and technology museum in Italy. From 1997 to 2000 was curator of the multimedia activities at the Triennale in Milan. From 2020 to 2021 he built a mechanical planetarium, and received an award from Orologiko, the Italian forum of horological experts.

He is a Member of: CAT - Circolo Astrofili di Trezzano; SIC - Scientific Instruments Commission; Amici di Hora - Associazione Italiana Cultori di Orologeria Antica; and the British Horological Institute.

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