Position Of Moon Research Articles

Unrestricted Solar Energetic Particle Access to the Moon While Within the Terrestrial Magnetotail

AbstractThis study presents observations of Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) protons that have penetrated Earth's magnetotail to reach the lunar environment. We apply data from Wind as an upstream monitor and compare to observations from THEMIS‐ARTEMIS within the tail to show clear signatures of SEPs at the Moon during two events. Combining modeling and data analysis, we show that SEPs above energies of ∼25 keV gain access to the Moon's position deep within the magnetotail through field lines that are open on one end to the solar wind. These results contradict previous studies that have suggested that the magnetotail is effective in shielding the Moon from SEPs with energies up to 1 GeV. Instead, we highlight that Earth's magnetosphere provides poor protection to the Moon from SEPs, which irradiate the lunar surface even within the tail. Our results have important implications regarding the safety of astronauts during upcoming lunar missions.

Pemetaan Posisi Hilal Terhadap Gunung Agung Dalam Penentuan Awal Bulan Kamariah Di Lokasi Rukyat Pantai Loang Baloq Mataram

This study aims to determine the new moon's position towards Mount Agung in mapping at the beginning of the Lunar Month at the Loang Baloq Beach Rukyat location. Loang Baloq Beach has been a routine location for the new moon sightings carried out by the Mataram BMKG team since 2013. However, The hilal is rarely reported to be visible at Loang Baloq Beach. The presence of Mount Agung hinders the condition of the new moon. Based on the study's results, it can be determined that the condition of Loang Baloq Beach does not meet the ideal assessment criteria. This is because the west is not clear at Azimuth 294o46'36.40". Then the west horizon of the Loang Baloq beach is blocked by the presence of Mount Agung in the Karangasem district of the island of Bali. In addition, the existence of Mount Agung causes the western horizon of the Loang Baloq coast always to be unclean or always cloudy, even though the local weather conditions are hot/sunny, Although Loang Baloq Beach does not meet the ideal criteria as a place for the sighting of the new moon. However, this location has enough potential for the sighting of the new moon compared to other locations in Mataram. Even if the new moon's position from Loang Baloq is right on Mount Agung, the new moon cannot be seen, but if it is to the left and right of Mount Agung, it is still possible to see the new moon. It is also possible to see the exact position of the new moon on Mount Agung if the height of the new moon is above Mount Agung. The mapping of the new moon position is carried out in the months of Muharram, Safar, Rabiul Awal, Rabiul Akhir, Jumadil Awal, Jumadil Akhir, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadhan, Shawwal, with the results of the appearance of the new moon being to the left of Mount Agung. In contrast, the month of Dzulqoidah, Dzulhijjah with the appearance of the new moon is right with Mount Agung. When the hilal position is right at Mount Agung, the observer shifts to another location, Tanjung Mina, North Lombok Regency.

THE TOLAKI CALENDAR SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING GOOD AND BAD DAYS

The Tolaki people continue to base their way of life on traditions like the Tolaki calendar for identifying good and bad days. The Tolaki tribe employs a tool that is often employed as a weather forecast or as a guide for the community to carry out certain actions to ascertain this. The formulation of the issue is brought up by the author, who asks questions like: How does the Tolaki calendar system work?, How are the good and bad days for the Tolaki people determined?, and How is astronomical research related to the Tolaki calendar system?. The Tolaki Culture Book, which is processed with journals linked to the Tolaki Tribal Calendar System, is used in this research technique, which is a library method. It is studied descriptively and presented qualitatively. These are the study's findings: The moon's position in the night sky is used as the basis for the Tolaki calendar. The meanings of the names of the days in the month are used by the Tolaki people to identify good and bad days, and they use Naga Hari, Kutika, and Bilangari to ascertain the precise day and hour. The Tolaki calendar is identical to the Hijri calendar in astronomy since it uses a lunar calendar that keeps track of the moon's orbit. The Tolaki community uses the concept of good days and bad days as a guide for carrying out activities, but it cannot be utilized as a model for how to do Islamic devotion.

Precise position of planet Moon (Chandra) in Lord Sri Rama’s birth chart

Even though it was stated that five planets were in exaltation in Lord Sri Rama’s birth chart by Sage Valmiki in his epic Ramayana, he did not mention the precise position of Moon (Chandra). We have analysed various benefits given by Moon being present in Cancer along with Jupiter as explained in Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra and Sage Valmiki’s description of Lord Rama’s birth chart, then compared it with Lord Rama’s characteristics mentioned in Ramayana to conclude precise position of planet Moon (Chandra) in Lord Sri Rama’s birth chart.

Revealing Fifth-Grade Students’ Understanding of the Universe

Previous research has shown that students at almost all levels have misconceptions about both the shapes and sizes of celestial bodies in space. This study is essential to conduct on the students who take space topic in their schools for the first time This study aims at revealing fifth-grade students’ alternative conceptions about the size of the sun, earth, and moon and their relative positions to each other. This study employs action research by using a forced questionnaire and interview were used as the research instruments and involved 78 fifth-grade students as participants. To collect data, all students initially responded to a forced question questionnaire. Then, based on their responses, four students were chosen to be interviewed to clarify their alternative conceptions. The data analysis was carried out using interview and questionnaire data to reveal understanding and alternative conceptions of students’ responses. The results found that students had alternative conceptions of the earth’s shape in their minds. Moreover, alternative conceptions are commonly found in the sun, earth and moon positions.

First observation of a quadruple asteroid

Context. Extreme adaptive optics systems, such as the Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch facility (SPHERE), push forward the limits in high contrast and high resolution in direct imaging. The main objectives of these instruments are exoplanet detection and characterisation. Aims. We aim to increase the contrast limits to detect new satellites orbiting known asteroids. We use cutting-edge data reduction techniques and data processing algorithms that are essential to best analyse the raw data provided by the instruments and increase their performances. Doing so, the unequalled performances of SPHERE also make it a unique tool to resolve and study asteroids in the solar system, expanding the domain of its main science targets. Methods. We applied a newly developed data reduction pipeline for integral field spectrographs on archival SPHERE data of a resolved asteroid, (130) Elektra. It was coupled with a dedicated point spread function reconstruction algorithm to model the asteroid halo. Following the halo removal, the moon signal could be extracted more accurately. The moon positions were fitted at three epochs and were used to derive the orbital parameters via a genetic-based algorithm. Results. We announce the discovery of S/2014 (130) 2, a third moon orbiting (130) Elektra, making it the first quadruple asteroid ever found. It is identified in three different epochs, 9, 30, and 31 Dec. 2014, at a respective angular separation of 258 mas (333 km), 229 mas (327 km), and 319 mas (457 km). We estimate that this moon has a period of 0.679 ± 0.001 day and a semi-major axis of 344 ± 5 km, with an eccentricity of 0.33 ± 0.05 and an inclination of 38° ±19° compared to the primary rotation axis. With a relative magnitude to the primary of 10.5 ± 0.5, its size is estimated to be 1.6 ± 0.4 km. Conclusions. The orbital parameters of S/2014 (130) 2 are poorly constrained due to the unfavourable configurations of the available fragmentary data. Additional observations are needed to better estimate its orbit and to suggest a formation model. This new detection nonetheless shows that dedicated data reduction and processing algorithms modelling the physics of the instruments can push their contrast limits further.

Figures and Mirrors in Demetrios Triklinios's 'Selenography'

This article is about the interplay between diagrammatic representation, the mediation of mirrors, and visual cognition. It centres on Demetrios Triklinios (fl. ca. 1308–25/30) and his treatise on lunar theory. The latter includes, first, a discussion of the lunar phases and of the Moon's position in relation to the Sun, and second, a narrative and a pictorial description of the lunar surface. Demetrios Triklinios's Selenography is little-known (though edited in 1967 by Wasserstein) and not available in translation into a modern scholarly language. Therefore, one of the main goals of the present article is to introduce its context and contents and to lay down the foundations for their detailed study at a later stage. When discussing the Selenography, I refer to a bricolage consisting of the two earliest versions of the work preserved in Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, graecus 482, ff. 92r–95v (third quarter of the fourteenth century) and Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, graecus 2381, ff. 78r–79v (last quarter of the fourteenth century). I survey the available evidence concerning the role of Demetrios Triklinios (the author), John Astrapas (?) (the grapheus or scribe-painter), and Neophytos Prodromenos and Anonymus (the scribes-editors) in the production of the two manuscript copies. Next, I discuss the diagrams included in the Selenography and their functioning in relation to Triklinios's theory concerning the Moon as a mirror reflecting the geography of the Earth, on the one hand, and to the mirror experiment described by Triklinios, on the other. Finally, I demonstrate how, even though the Selenography is a work on lunar astronomy, it can also be read as a discussion focusing on the Mediterranean world and aiming at elevating its centrality and importance on a cosmic scale.

Droplet evaporation method applied to test the efficacy of Zincum metallicum 30c on stressed and non-stressed wheat seeds

Background: The droplet evaporation method (DEM) has been recently proposed as a possible tool to test the efficacy of ultra high dilutions (UHDs) [1]. Here we applied the same methodology consisting in the evaporation of droplets from leakages obtained by placing wheat seeds in UHDs to test whether DEM patterns vary in function of the tested treatment: Zincum metallicum 30c (ZM), lactose 30c as dynamized control (L), and unsuccussed, undiluted water as negative control (C). Since our previous study [1] showed that there is a significant increase in the UHD action in the stressed model, with respect to the non-stressed one, also in the present experiment we tested ZM, L and C on both stressed (s-seeds) and non-stressed wheat seeds (ns-seeds). 
 Aims: The aim of the experiment was to test whether treatments ZM, L, and C applied on ns- and s-seeds influence the DEM pattern characteristics. 
 Materials and methods: Whole, undamaged wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum cv. Inallettabile, harvesting year 2010) were used for the experiment, following the experimental protocol described in [1]. The distinction between s- and ns-seeds is based upon different storing conditions from the harvest until the analysis day: the ns-seeds were kept in controlled conditions at 5°C and in the dark, whereas the s-seeds were kept in lab at varying temperature, humidity and light conditions. As far as treatment preparation is concerned, ZM and L were obtained from triturations 3c (received from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) by vertical mechanical succussions and following dilutions; negative control (C) was ultra-pure water from the same water batch used for dilutions. The experiment was repeated on 6 days within one month; each seed lot (ns- and s-seeds) was analyzed on 3 different days (s-seeds on 10th, 11th and 24th February 2014 and ns-seeds on 12th, 26th February and 3th March 2014), with three treatment-replicates for ZM and L and two for C, three repetitions for each treatment-replicate and 5 droplets per repetition (360 patterns for each seed lot). The complexity degree of polycrystalline structures obtained from the evaporating droplets was measured by means of the ImageJ software [2] by calculating their local connected fractal dimensions (LCFD). The data on moon phase, moon position and moon distance from Earth at the beginning of each evaporation process were collected from the online tool virtuelles Telescope [3]. All data were processed by a three-way ANOVA at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Correlations between the moon data and LCFD were evaluated by r Pearson coefficient. 
 Results: The effect of the treatment on LCFD values of DEM patterns was significant only in the stressed model: ZM showed a crystallization inhibiting action vs. C on all 3 analysis days, whereas a significant difference between ZM and L could be observed only on first and third analysis day (Fig 1a). ANOVA analysis showed that the overall LCFD means for the s-seed lot differed significantly between each other: 1.33 (a) for C, 1.26 (b) for L, and 1.19 (c) for ZM. Moreover, the LCFD values of both seed lots showed a strong day factor influence. A possible explanation of this finding might be the influence of the moon (position, phase, and distance from Earth) on the crystallization process: strong correlation between the LCFD of the patterns and moon data were found (r values were from -0.72 to -0.97). 
 
 Figure 1: Graphical representation of the mean local connected fractal dimension values (LCFD) of droplet evaporation patterns obtained from stressed and non-stressed wheat seeds following treatments with Zincum metallicum 30c (ZM), lactose 30c (L), and unsuccussed/undiluted water (C).
 
 Discussion: The present study confirms a pre-sensitization effect towards UHD action in stressed models: a significant inhibiting effect of ZM 30c was found in all experimentation day. Furthermore, the strong correlations observed between the LCFD values and moon data indicate that the complexity of polycrystalline structures from evaporating droplets of wheat seed leakages might be affected by tidal forces. Since DEM needs to be standardized, these correlations can be considered only simultaneous and not causal, however their strength gives good reasons for further studies. 
 Conclusions: The results of the present pilot-study seem to encourage further DEM experiments on s-seeds following UHD treatments. For further confirmation of the inhibiting effect of ZM on s-seeds, germination tests should be planned. Finally, the performance of DEM experimentations during days and hours with equal tidal influence on gravity might be helpful for the reduction of the day factor.
 Keywords:Ultra high dilutions, droplet evaporation method, patterns, Zincum metallicum

Neural network modeling of jointed rock mass behavior in topocentric terrestrial field: A case study of Oktyabrsky deposit

The article addresses a promising geomechanical trend connected with Big Data processing. Using helium release observation results, the jointed rock mass behavior in the terrestrial field is studied. The terrestrial field is assumed as a variable value governed by the positions of the major planets in the Solar system, as well as by the positions of the Moon and Sun. The observation data are used for neural network learning. The total bulk of the learning data was more than 95 thousands of observations. After learning, the neural network decision-making algorithm was analyzed, and the studies were compared with the rock mass jointing analysis data from 3D modeling of Oktyabrsky and Talnakh deposits. Interpretation of frames of faults in the study area produced more than 206 thousands of measurements of precise dip angles and strike orientations with their distribution in depth and along the horizontal. Alongside with the fault frame interpretation, helium release data were compared with roughness of walls in a vertical opening sunk in the close vicinity of the measurement site. As a result of long-term operation, the shape of the opening repeats the block structure of enclosing rock mass and, thus, can inform on its initial jointing. The wall roughness data were obtained using laser scanning and contained more than 106 thousands of measurements. The analysis and processing of all data reveals the dependence between the planetary positions in the Solar system, helium release, orientation of the main joint system and surface roughness in underground openings. In this manner, it is possible to assess deformation processes in the crust and to find their influence on rock mass behavior.

Accurate 3-D radiative transfer simulation of spectral solar irradiance during the total solar eclipse of 21 August 2017

Abstract. We calculate the variation of spectral solar irradiance in the umbral shadow of the total solar eclipse of 21 August 2017 and compare it to observations. Starting from the Sun's and Moon's positions, we derive a realistic profile of the lunar shadow at the top of the atmosphere, including the effect of solar limb darkening. Subsequently, the Monte Carlo model MYSTIC (Monte Carlo code for the phYSically correct Tracing of photons In Cloudy atmospheres) is used to simulate the transfer of solar radiation through the Earth's atmosphere. Among the effects taken into account are the atmospheric state (pressure, temperature), concentrations of major gas constituents and the curvature of the Earth, as well as the reflectance and elevation of the surrounding area. We apply the model to the total solar eclipse on 21 August 2017 at a position located in Oregon, USA, where irradiance observations were performed for wavelengths between 306 and 1020 nm. The influence of the surface reflectance, the ozone profile, the mountains surrounding the observer and aerosol is investigated. An increased sensitivity during totality is found for the reflectance, aerosol and topography, compared to non-eclipse conditions. During the eclipse, the irradiance at the surface not only depends on the total ozone column (TOC) but also on the vertical ozone distribution, which in general complicates derivations of the TOC from spectral surface irradiance. The findings are related to an analysis of the prevailing photon path and its difference compared to non-eclipse conditions. Using the most realistic estimate for each parameter, the model is compared to the irradiance observations. During totality, the relative difference between model and observations is less than 10 % in the spectral range from 400 to 1020 nm. Slightly larger deviations occur in the ultraviolet range below 400 and at 665 nm.

Biodiversity and ecological phenomena in pranatamongso calendar: basic knowledge and goal for optimizing of crop production in javanese farmers

Human living dynamic is a complex of technology and society system in which science, technology, and also cultural beliefs are developed and have been growing together toward a life sustainability. Hence, cultural beliefs and practices hold by a distinct tribes or society in Indonesia represent their values which could be influenced by their environmental factors. Geophysical characteristics, climatology dynamics and the presence of living organisms mainly plants and animals are some essential sources of their cultural-based scientific knowledge and may represent as an ethno-ecology view. For Javanese farmers, as an example, this cultural-based science knowledge and practice have been developed and well-known implemented for their agriculture system by which the season cyclic (dry and rain) as well as animals ecological dynamics may determine the way of farming they have been carried out. This ethno-ecology view known as Pranotomongso which considers the traditional knowledge based on a careful observation on climate dynamics and its factors, such as sun and moon positions, or wind intensity, also their impact on plants and animal interactions in ecosystem. A deep-understanding of Pranotomongso leads an effort to optimizing and sustaining the crop production by maintaining and controlling both plants and animal diversity. As a cultural-based calendar, could Pranotomongso be utilised for examining the biodiversity information as well as crop sustainability? Regarded to this basic question, this paper provides an insight discourse based on the way Pranotomongso is developed in term of scientific perspectives, such as rainy and dry season calculations, and both the plants and animal diversity existence.

The relationship between the moon cycle and the orientation of glass eels (Anguilla anguilla) at sea.

Links between the lunar cycle and the life cycle (migration patterns, locomotor activity, pulses in recruitment) of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) are well documented. In this study, we hypothesized that the orientation of glass eels at sea is related to the lunar cycle. The European eel hatches in the Sargasso Sea and migrates across the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe. Upon reaching the continental shelf, the larvae metamorphose into glass eels and migrate up the estuaries, where some individuals colonize freshwater habitats. How glass eels navigate pelagic waters is still an open question. We tested the orientation of 203 glass eels in a transparent circular arena that was drifting in situ during the daytime, in the coastal Norwegian North Sea, during different lunar phases. The glass eels swimming at sea oriented towards the azimuth of the moon at new moon, when the moon rose above the horizon and was invisible but not during the other moon phases. These results suggest that glass eels could use the moon position for orientation at sea and that the detection mechanism involved is not visual. We hypothesize a possible detection mechanism based on global-scale lunar disturbances in electrical fields and discuss the implications of lunar-related orientation for the recruitment of glass eels to estuaries. This behaviour could help glass eels to reach the European coasts during their marine migration.

Star-Based Calibration of the Installation Between the Camera and Star Sensor of the Luojia 1-01 Satellite

Ground control points (GCPs) are generally used to calibrate the installation between the camera and star sensor of a satellite in orbit and improve the geometric positioning accuracy of the satellite. However, the use of GCPs for high-frequency calibration is difficult, and it is particularly difficult to acquire accurate GCPs for the image of a nightlight satellite. In this study, we developed a camera-star sensor installation calibration method that eliminates the need for GCPs. In the proposed method, the camera and star sensor lenses are simultaneously pointed at the star, and the camera-star sensor installation is accurately calibrated by processing the star map obtained by the camera and star sensors. Reference data such as road network and Moon position data were used to verify the proposed method and evaluate its positioning accuracy. The results of the application of the method to the positioning of the Luojia 1-01 satellite indicated an accuracy within 800 m, which is comparable with that of the traditional method.

Investigation of the Biodynamic Commands Use Effect on Mucilage Content and Germination Behavior in Three Ecotypes of Basil (<i>Ocimum</i> Sp.)

One of the most popular and useable of Aromatic plants are kinds of Basilica (Ocimum sp., Lamiaceae). This genius has different characteristics in behavior germination. Biodynamic agriculture is a new science in the research and especially, the position of stars and planet relative to each other, position of moon around the earth and seasonal change and Solar and lunar eclipses. We must to demonstrative of this theory. In this experiment, we want to record the effect of based on two calendars (biodynamic and Astronomic) on 3 ecotype of Basilica seed germination. The based on this experiment randomized block design with 3 replications. We use 50 seeds in Falcon tube (value=15ml) and record the weight and value of seed in tube. Then added 5ml of water in tube and shacked after moisturized and control and record of Mucilage value and another behavior of seed germination in lab condition. Results showed that different position of some planets such as moon and Mars and Jupiter had the highest effect, positive and significant effect on mucilage percent (p>95%), germination speed and length of root. Therefore, we could be express the lunar position had the highest effect on root length of local type and the lowest effect on purple basil. Mucilage percentage of seed coat in green basil had the highest content relative to another ecotype and this content was significant (p>95%). Then, the best suggest for produce of mucilage from the basil seeds, the best time is the first quadrature of moon.

Investigation of the Biodynamic Commands Use Effect on Mucilage Content and Germination Behavior in Three Ecotypes of Basil (<i>Ocimum</i> Sp.)

One of the most popular and useable of Aromatic plants are kinds of Basilica (Ocimumsp., Lamiaceae). This genius has different characteristics in behavior germination. Biodynamic agriculture is a new science in the research and especially, the position of stars and planet relative to each other, position of moon around the earth and seasonal change and Solar and lunar eclipses. We must to demonstrative of this theory. In this experiment, we want to record the effect of based on two calendars (biodynamic and Astronomic) on 3 ecotype of Basilica seed germination. The based on this experiment randomized block design with 3 replications. We use 50 seeds in Falcon tube (value=15ml) and record the weight and value of seed in tube. Then added 5ml of water in tube and shacked after moisturized and control and record of Mucilage value and another behavior of seed germination in lab condition. Results showed that different position of some planets such as moon and Mars and Jupiter had the highest effect, positive and significant effect on mucilage percent (p>95%), germination speed and length of root. Therefore, we could be express the lunar position had the highest effect on root length of local type and the lowest effect on purple basil. Mucilage percentage of seed coat in green basil had the highest content relative to another ecotype and this content was significant (p>95%). Then, the best suggest for produce of mucilage from the basil seeds, the best time is the first quadrature of moon.

Le diagramme des horizons et les prosneuses des éclipses dans l'astronomie de Ptolémée

This paper analyses the horizon diagram in Ptolemy's Almagest and in the Handy Tables. In both works this diagram is used only for the calculation of the prosneusis in an eclipse. The aim of such a calculation is not clear : one has suggested some astrological purpose, or ancient meteorological theory. The paper examines the prosneusis calculations given by Theon of Alexandria and by some Byzantine authors : Stephanos, Barlaam, Nicephorus Gregoras, Theodorus Meliteniotes. For each calculation a figure is drawn showing the angles obtained for the prosneusis and the positions of Sun and Moon at the different moments of the eclipse. In each case this figure is very similar to a modern diagram showing the scheme of the eclipse, but inverted, as seen in a reflecting surface such as a basin full of some liquid. So one can suggest that the prosneusis calculation was intended to give a precise account of the phases of the eclipse, perhaps with help of a figure reproducing the phenomenon as seen by the observer.

The influence of Hipparchus in Antikythera mechanism

Around 1900, a group of sponge divers, pulled out from an ancient Roman shipwreck, near the Antikythera island, a piece of a hardly distinguishable geared mechanism which is known since then as “The Antikythera mechanism”. Until now the exact use of some of its survived gears is investigated and there are speculations about its missing parts. In 2005 two revolutionary technical methods were applied on Antikythera mechanism. The first is known as : (3D) X-ray computed tomography (CT) by X-Tek Systems Ltd, with the use of which many hidden details under the corrosion, came to light. The second is known as : Polynomial Texture Mapping (PTM) which was applied by HP Labs, revealing engraved symbols and letters on Antikythera mechanism surfaces. After all these years of research, a more comprehensive picture of this machinery was built, leading to the conclusion that it was used as a multi functional “astronomical calculator” according to Freeth et al. (2006b) with many impressive capabilities such as:•a prediction of upcoming Solar and Lunar eclipses•a calculator of the four astronomical cycles (Metonic cycle, Callippic cycle, Saros cycle, Exeligmos cycle)•moon phases indication•Sun and Moon position in zodiacThe whole mechanical construction seemed covered by a wooden case with a front and a back door with engraved inscriptions on them. According to Freeth et al. (2006b) “The inscriptions support suggestions of mechanical display of planetary positions” proving the existence of a missing planetary subsystem. In this decrypted text, according to Freeth et al. (2006b), astronomical terms have been recognized like stations ▪ like statio,conjunctions and according to Jones (2017), there are references about the names of the five known planets. Researchers are trying for years to present planetary activity on their models suggesting different solutions with a common characteristic. In all models of planetary motion, the epicyclic theory is applied. Although this theory is precise enough for planets with negligible eccentricity, fails to demonstrate the real recorded apparent orbit of planets with significant eccentricity, like Mercury’s which is 0.205. On the other hand in Antikythera mechanism remains, there is an advanced device, known as the “pin & slot”, which simulates the non-uniform motion of the moon. According to Moussas (2009)...The difference between Kepler’s predictions on the angular velocity of the Moon during the month and the mechanism’s prediction is of the order 1/400 .... So if the constructor used a specialized gearing to model the moon’s orbit eccentricity which is 0.0549 why not do the same for Mercury’s case with an eccentricity of 3.7 times bigger? Many speculations about the Antikythera mechanism’s purpose have already been expressed, but nevertheless, accuracy is its undeniable feature which should be reflected in the mechanism’s astronomical indications. So, there’s a question that might be answered. ”Is it possible, the planets eccentricity can be simulated using the pin & slot device?”. This research tries to find an answer and proposes a feasible epicyclic gearing which can simulate the geocentric apparent path of Mercury. The construction is taking seriously the planet’s eccentricity, trying to minimize the discrepancy between expected and indicated measurements. Our proposal is based on theories known at the time Antikythera mechanism was constructed.

Control of plant leaf movements by the lunisolar tidal force.

Background Investigations into the diurnal ascent and descent of leaves of beans and other species, as well as experimental interventions into these movements, such as exposures to light at different times during the movement cycle, led to the concept of an endogenous 'clock' as a regulator of these oscillations. The causal origin of leaf movement can be traced to processes that modulate cell volume in target tissues of the pulvinus and petiole. However, these elements of the leaf-movement process do not sufficiently account for the rhythms that are generated following germination in constant light or dark conditions, or when plants are transferred to similar free-running conditions. Scope To further unravel the regulation of leaf-movement rhythms, many of the published time courses of leaf movements that provided evidence for the concept of the endogenous clock were analysed in conjunction with the contemporaneous time courses of the lunisolar tidal acceleration. This was accomplished by application of the Etide program, which estimates, with high temporal resolution, local gravitational changes as a consequence of the diurnal variations of the lunisolar gravitational force due to the orbits and relative positions of Earth, Moon and Sun. To substantiate the results obtained in earthbound laboratories additional experiments were performed in the International Space Station (ISS). Tidal recurrence within the ISS exhibited a periodicity of 45 min. In all instances investigated, it was evident that a synchronism exists between the times of the turning points of both the lunisolar tide and of the leaftide when the direction of leaf movement changes. This finding of synchrony documents that the lunisolar tide is a regulator of the leaftide, and that the rhythm of leaf movement is not of endogenous origin but is an expression of an exogenous lunisolar clock impressed upon the leaf-movement apparatus. Conclusions A huge number of correlations between leaftide and Etide time courses were established for leaf movement rhythms in natural conditions of the greenhouse, in conditions of constant light or dark, and under the microgravity conditions of the International Space Station. Even the apparently spontaneous short-period, small-amplitude rhythms recorded from leaves under unusual growth conditions are consistent with the hypothesis of a lunisolar zeitgeber. Synchronism between leaftide and Etide is discussed in terms of classical and quantum mechanics.

Are there tides within trees?

Tree stem diameters and electrical stem potentials exhibit rhythmic variations with periodicities of 24-25 h. Under free-running conditions of constant light or darkness these rhythms were suggested to be mediated by the lunisolar gravitational force. To further unravel the regulation of tree stem diameter dilatations, many of the published time courses of diameter variations were re-evaluated in conjunction with the contemporaneous time courses of the lunisolar tidal acceleration. This was accomplished by application of the Etide program, which estimates, with high temporal resolution, local gravitational changes as a consequence of the diurnal variations of the lunisolar gravitational force due to the orbits and relative positions of Earth, Moon and Sun. In all instances investigated, it was evident that a synchronism exists between the times of the turning points of both the lunisolar tide and stem diameter variations when the direction of extension changes. This finding of synchrony documents that the lunisolar tide is a regulator of the tree stem diameter dilatations. Under the described experimental conditions, rhythms in tree stem diameter dilations and electrical stem potentials are controlled by the lunisolar gravitational acceleration.

Control of plant leaf movements by the lunisolar tidal force.

Investigations into the diurnal ascent and descent of leaves of beans and other species, as well as experimental interventions into these movements, such as exposures to light at different times during the movement cycle, led to the concept of an endogenous 'clock' as a regulator of these oscillations. The causal origin of leaf movement can be traced to processes that modulate cell volume in target tissues of the pulvinus and petiole. However, these elements of the leaf-movement process do not sufficiently account for the rhythms that are generated following germination in constant light or dark conditions, or when plants are transferred to similar free-running conditions. To further unravel the regulation of leaf-movement rhythms, many of the published time courses of leaf movements that provided evidence for the concept of the endogenous clock were analysed in conjunction with the contemporaneous time courses of the lunisolar tidal acceleration. This was accomplished by application of the Etide program, which estimates, with high temporal resolution, local gravitational changes as a consequence of the diurnal variations of the lunisolar gravitational force due to the orbits and relative positions of Earth, Moon and Sun. To substantiate the results obtained in earthbound laboratories additional experiments were performed in the International Space Station (ISS). Tidal recurrence within the ISS exhibited a periodicity of 45 min. In all instances investigated, it was evident that a synchronism exists between the times of the turning points of both the lunisolar tide and of the leaftide when the direction of leaf movement changes. This finding of synchrony documents that the lunisolar tide is a regulator of the leaftide, and that the rhythm of leaf movement is not of endogenous origin but is an expression of an exogenous lunisolar clock impressed upon the leaf-movement apparatus. A huge number of correlations between leaftide and Etide time courses were established for leaf movement rhythms in natural conditions of the greenhouse, in conditions of constant light or dark, and under the microgravity conditions of the International Space Station. Even the apparently spontaneous short-period, small-amplitude rhythms recorded from leaves under unusual growth conditions are consistent with the hypothesis of a lunisolar zeitgeber. Synchronism between leaftide and Etide is discussed in terms of classical and quantum mechanics.