Al-Battani
He made significant improvements to Ptolemy's astronomical tables and accurately determined the length of the tropical year.
Most quoted
"Our fleeting existence on Earth is but a moment compared to the eternal cycles of the cosmos. Yet, in this brief span, we are granted the capacity to observe and understand."
— from Kitāb az-Zīj as-Sābi'
"The beauty of the night sky, with its countless luminaries, is a testament to the artistry of the divine, an invitation to contemplation and wonder."
— from Kitāb az-Zīj as-Sābi'
"The celestial spheres, in their intricate dance, reveal the order and majesty of the Creator. To study them is to glimpse the divine mind at work."
— from Kitāb az-Zīj as-Sābi'
All quotes by Al-Battani (382)
The science of the stars is a continuous journey of discovery, with no final destination.
To predict the future positions of the planets is a testament to the power of mathematical astronomy.
The true value of the solar eccentricity is a crucial parameter for understanding the sun's apparent motion.
We are but humble observers of a grand and magnificent universe.
The length of the seasons is not equal, a fact that our astronomical tables must reflect.
Let us share our knowledge freely, for the advancement of science benefits all mankind.
The stars are a constant reminder of the order and harmony that pervade the cosmos.
The determination of the precise time of the equinoxes and solstices is vital for accurate calendrical calculations.
Our observations have shown that the value for the precession of the equinoxes differs from that of earlier astronomers.
The study of the stars elevates the mind and inspires the soul.
The use of the tangent and cotangent functions simplifies many complex astronomical problems.
Let us not be swayed by dogma, but by the undeniable evidence of our senses and our calculations.
The true longitude of the stars is a fundamental quantity that must be determined with the utmost care.
The celestial sphere, though an abstraction, is a powerful tool for understanding the positions of the stars.
Every observation, no matter how small, contributes to the grand tapestry of astronomical knowledge.
The science of the stars is a bridge between the earthly and the divine.
The tables I have compiled are a testament to years of dedicated observation and rigorous calculation.
They say the Earth is flat. Perhaps they've only ever looked at a map, not the stars.
Some men spend their lives chasing gold. I chase shadows, and they tell me more about the universe.
To truly understand the heavens, one must first be willing to admit how little they know of the Earth.