Question

when it was first discovered. then, it was brought to a museum in athens. there, the tool began to dry and break apart. as this happened, it began to show its elaborate interior.
the tool was found over a century ago. however, details about the inner workings of the device have been discovered only within the past few decades. this was thanks to advances in technology.
in the 1950s, researchers used x - ray technology to determine that the device was an astronomy calculator. it demonstrates the advanced wisdom and mechanical ability of the ancient greeks. the devices interior resembles a clock. it contains about 30 bronze gears. researchers found that these gears corresponded to ancient ideas about astronomy. in ancient times, these gears would have been cranked to keep track of changes in the night sky. the tool would have been used to predict events such as full moons and dates of eclipses.
the device also has faded etchings on its dials. in 2008, researchers were finally able to interpret the writing. they did this by using an x - ray scanner. it allowed them to peer through the ancient devices corroded remains.
information was also gained by taking digital photographs of the devices broken pieces. these photographs were put on a computer, and the faint etchings became much clearer.
researchers studied the etchings. they were startled to discover evidence that the tool was also used to track dates of the ancient olympic games. using advanced technology, the researchers discovered the word \olympia\ on the device. they also found the names of games known to be held in ancient greece.
yannis bitsakis is a researcher who studied the device. bitsakis said the reference to olympic games on the device is surprising. greeces ancient games held great social importance. however, the games were not related to astronomy. the ancient olympic games took place every four years, like todays olympic games. researchers were baffled as to why such an elaborate scientific tool would have been used to track events that occurred at regular intervals.
question 2
what is this article mainly about?
a. an ancient clocklike tool that was used in astronomy and c track the dates of greek games
b. the way that ancient objects dry out and break apart after h underwater for a long period of time
c. a brilliant mathematician and scientist who lived and worke ancient sicily
d. the way that todays researchers use digital photographs to ancient objects

Explanation:

The article begins by introducing an ancient tool, then details its discovery, technological analysis (like x - ray and digital photography), and its functions such as being an astronomy calculator and potentially tracking Greek game dates. Option A encompasses the main elements of the tool's nature (clock - like, used in astronomy) and its additional function (tracking Greek game dates). Option B only focuses on a minor detail (dry out and break apart) which is not the main topic. Option C is about a mathematician/scientist not mentioned in the main content of the article. Option D only highlights one method (digital photographs) used by researchers, which is too narrow.

Answer:

A. An ancient clocklike tool that was used in astronomy and track the dates of Greek games