Islamic Astronomy

By: Max Crawford and Clare Wolf

Islamic Astronomy

• Astronomy had a privileged status among the hierarchy of Islamic Sciences

• It provided insight to the divinely inspired nature of the universe.

• Provided solutions to every day problems.

• Astronomical data was essential to establish the Muslim calendar and dates of religious festivals based on lunar cycles.

Invention

• Al Zarqali (Arzachel)– Contributed to the

Toledan Tables:• Highly accurate

compilation of astronomical data

– Developed precise instruments for astronomical use:• Clock that indicated days

and months

• Al-Bitruji– Developed new theory

of stellar movement based on Aristotle’s thinking

– Made the Book of Form• Later became popular in

the West

Invention

• Invented the sextant• Developed astrolabe– Later Europeans used

the astrolabe to further their own development and education of astronomy

Influence

• Islamic Maps in high demand of other cultures:– China– Europe: inspired

European scientists to make astronomical instruments

• Practical applications – Navigation

• Sophistication of astronomical instruments– Made astronomical

tables and maps

Influence

• Names of stars from Islamic Astronomers still used today:– Altair– Deneb– Betelgeuse

• Astronomical Terms:– Zenith– Nadir– Azimuth

Impact

• Advances in:– Time

• Months• Days• Weeks• Holidays

– Navigation• Astronomical Maps• Land maps

• Islamic Astronomy still used in modern day society

• Helped other civilizations further their own astronomical education• Some even improved the

Islamic inventions further

Works Cited

• http://islamicity.com/Mosque/ihame/Sec12.htm

• http://www.muslimheritage.com/Default.aspx

• http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/scienceislam/index.php