Researchers are making exciting progress in recovering ancient Greek astronomical texts hidden beneath layers of later writings. This fascinating project involves scanning fragile parchment pages, which date back to the 6th or 7th century, using advanced X-ray technology at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park.
The original texts were erased as monks sought to repurpose the parchments for religious writings. Interesting insights from physicist Uwe Bergmann reveal how the monks treated the animal skins with milk and lemon juice, making it easier to write over them. For centuries, the Greek star coordinates remained unseen, invisible beneath the later texts until now.
Recently, researchers began scanning 11 pages from a manuscript provided by the Museum of the Bible. Almost immediately, they detected important terms in ancient Greek, including “Aquarius” and descriptors for notable stars. The lead researcher, Victor Gysembergh, mentioned he has eagerly awaited this moment for four years. He shared his excitement, noting that they could use this data to explore how ancient astronomers achieved remarkable precision without modern tools.
Using X-ray fluorescence, the team can differentiate between the layers of ink. The upper layer contains iron, and the Greek text below has a calcium signature, allowing for a clearer view of the hidden writings. The precision of these scans is much greater than previous methods, providing unprecedented access to lost knowledge.
Sam Webb, a lead scientist, explained that the technology, which uses synchrotron radiation, propels electrons close to the speed of light. When these electrons are manipulated with magnets, they emit X-rays that illuminate the manuscript. The process resembles a medical X-ray, ensuring the pages remain safe.
Preparing the manuscripts for scanning was a careful task for Elizabeth Hayslett, a conservator at the Museum of the Bible. The pages had to be transported in controlled conditions to prevent damage. During scanning, the lights were kept low to protect the fragile ink.
These pages are part of a bigger collection, a 200-page codex, with only a limited portion held in Washington, D.C. Other parts of the manuscript are scattered worldwide. Historically, debates have occurred about whether Ptolemy copied Hipparchus’s work. With this new data, Gysembergh can demonstrate that while Ptolemy utilized Hipparchus’ information, he also included other sources, pointing to a more collaborative approach to science than previously thought.
Keith Knox, an imaging scientist with a long history of working on similar projects, emphasized the value of these findings for understanding ancient science. His work on the Archimedes Palimpsest mirrors the current efforts to untangle layers of historical information.
As researchers sift through these layers, they hope to inspire others who possess hidden treasures to come forward, promoting further discoveries. The next phase will involve scholars translating the coordinates and star descriptions, echoing a journey that reconnects us with the early seeds of astronomy.
For more on the scientific methods behind this project, you can read about X-ray fluorescence in reputable sources like the National Academy of Sciences.
