By: Max Crawford and Clare Wolf 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) Al-Bitruji 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 Practical applications Navigation Sophistication of astronomical instruments Made astronomical tables and maps Islamic Maps in high demand of other cultures: China Europe: inspired European scientists to make astronomical instruments

Influence Names of stars from Islamic Astronomers still used today: Altair Deneb Betelgeuse Astronomical Terms: Zenith Nadir Azimuth

Impact Advances in: Islamic Astronomy still used in modern day society 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