Biography of Scientist Maria Al-Battani.

Renowned astronomer and mathematician named Muhammad ibn Jābir al-Ḥarrānī al-Battānī, commonly known as Al-Battani.

Here is a detailed biography of Al-Battani:

Early Life (c. 858 – c. 929):

1. Birth: Al-Battani was born around 858 in Harran, which was part of the Islamic Abbasid Caliphate and is now in Turkey.
2. Education: He received his education in science, mathematics, and astronomy in Harran, a city known for its intellectual and scientific traditions.

Contributions to Astronomy (9th – 10th Century):

1. Observations: Al-Battani is famous for his precise and extensive astronomical observations. He made detailed observations of the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets.
2. Solar Inclination: One of his notable contributions was the determination of the solar inclination, which is the tilt of the Earth’s axis with respect to its orbit around the Sun. His value was remarkably close to the modern value.
3. Trigonometry: Al-Battani made significant contributions to trigonometry, developing new methods and improving the existing ones. He introduced the tangent function and compiled extensive tables of trigonometric values.

Works and Writings (9th – 10th Century):

1. “Al-Zīj al-Sābī”: Al-Battani’s most influential work was the astronomical handbook known as “Al-Zīj al-Sābī,” which means “The Sābi Tables.” It contained a wealth of information, including astronomical tables, observations, and calculations.
2. Revision of Ptolemaic System: Al-Battani critically examined and revised the Ptolemaic system, making corrections to the positions of various celestial bodies. His work contributed to the refinement of the understanding of planetary motion.
3. Advancements in Trigonometry: In his book “De scientia stellarum” (On the Science of Stars), he made significant advancements in spherical trigonometry and explained the calculation of various astronomical phenomena.

Later Years and Legacy (10th Century):

1. Later Life: Al-Battani spent most of his life in Harran and later in Raqqa, contributing to the flourishing of scientific knowledge during the Islamic Golden Age.
2. Legacy: Al-Battani’s works greatly influenced Islamic and Western astronomers for centuries. His observations and calculations were cited by later scholars, including European astronomers during the Renaissance.
3. Name Variation: Al-Battani’s name is sometimes Latinized as Albategnius or Albatenius in historical texts.

Death:

1. Date: The exact date of Al-Battani’s death is uncertain, but it is generally believed to be around 929.
2. Impact: His contributions to astronomy, mathematics, and trigonometry had a lasting impact on the development of these fields. His works were translated into Latin and served as important sources of knowledge during the medieval and Renaissance periods.

Muhammad ibn Jābir al-Ḥarrānī al-Battānī’s life and work exemplify the scientific achievements of the Islamic Golden Age, and his legacy continues to be acknowledged in the history of astronomy and mathematics.