1. Islamic Astronomy By: Max Crawford and Clare Wolf

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Invention • Invented the sextant • Developed astrolabe • Later Europeans used the astrolabe to further their own development and education of astronomy

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. Works Cited • http://islamicity.com/Mosque/ihame/Sec12.htm • http://www.muslimheritage.com/Default.aspx • http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/scienceislam/index.php