Islam and Astronomy

We will explore Islamic scientific achievements in the Middle Ages before looking particularly at the relationship between Islam and astronomy

In the West, the ‘Middle Ages’, sometimes referred to as the ‘Dark Ages’, is usually seen as an interlude between two great flowerings of civilization, in which little advancement of knowledge took place. However, in this period Islamic scholars across southern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Persia and Central Asia were busy preserving and building on the knowledge of the ancient world. In this seminar we will explore some of these Islamic scientific achievements before looking particularly at the relationship between Islam and astronomy. We will hear about the importance of astronomical calculations in determining the Islamic calendar; Islamic astronomical instruments; and medieval Islamic astronomers. There will also be an opportunity to attend a special planetarium show with an Islamic theme.

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