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 Christian 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.
About the Author: 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 a price 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.
