Ep 2. Star Clock BC

Star Clock BC is an episode from season 8 of the popular science documentary television series, Naked Science. This episode delves into the secrets of the universe and the ancient techniques used to calculate the passage of time.

In this episode, viewers are taken on a journey into the past, exploring the scientific knowledge of civilizations that existed long before the modern era. We learn that ancient societies looked to the stars to track time and the progression of the seasons. By studying the movements of the sun, moon, and stars, early cultures were able to develop calendars and clocks that were surprisingly accurate.

Star Clock BC explores the ways in which early civilizations from Egypt to China were able to create devices that could measure the movements of the stars and planets. Through cutting-edge computer graphics and in-depth analysis of these ancient timepieces, viewers will gain a new appreciation for the scientific knowledge that existed thousands of years ago.

Throughout the course of the episode, viewers will see demonstrations of various ancient time-keeping devices, such as the Antikythera mechanism, which was discovered in Greece in 1901 and has been hailed as the world's oldest known analog computer. The show also explores ancient Chinese astronomy and the incredible precision of their astronomical measurements, such as the way they tracked the movement of eclipses.

As the episode progresses, viewers will learn about the ways in which early societies used astronomy not just for practical purposes like time-keeping, but also for spiritual and ritualistic reasons. We see how the ancient Egyptians built their temples and monuments to reflect the position of the stars, and how the Maya used astronomy to predict the future and communicate with their gods.

The episode also features interviews with leading astronomers and historians, who provide invaluable insights into the ancient techniques used for tracking time. Through their commentary, we get a sense of the incredible intelligence and ingenuity of these ancient civilizations, and the long-lasting effects of their discoveries on modern science.

Overall, Star Clock BC is a fascinating exploration of the history of time-keeping and the ways in which early societies were able to unlock the secrets of the cosmos. Whether you are a history buff, an astronomy enthusiast, or simply curious about the world we live in, this episode of Naked Science is sure to be a thought-provoking and educational experience.