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 application of mathematics to astronomy allows us to unlock the secrets of the heavens.
Our observations have shown that the solar apogee is not fixed, but moves slowly in the direction of the signs.
The pursuit of astronomical knowledge is a testament to the human desire to comprehend the universe.
We have provided a more accurate value for the obliquity of the ecliptic than previous astronomers.
The study of the stars is a continuous process of observation, calculation, and refinement.
Our work has contributed to the advancement of astronomical science and the improvement of calendrical systems.
The beauty of the celestial motions is a source of inspiration and wonder.
We have meticulously recorded our observations to ensure the highest degree of accuracy.
The understanding of the cosmos is a gift that enriches the human spirit.
Our astronomical tables are designed to be practical tools for navigators and calendar makers.
The Sun's apogee moves with a slow motion, completing a revolution in about 2,000 years.
I have computed the positions of the planets with greater accuracy than my predecessors.
The obliquity of the ecliptic is 23 degrees, 35 minutes.
Through meticulous observation, the length of the solar year reveals itself as 365 days, 5 hours, 46 minutes, 24 seconds.
The Moon's nodes regress at a rate that demands precise calculation for future predictions.
In the vastness of the heavens, the fixed stars maintain their positions relative to one another.
The precession of the equinoxes amounts to 1 degree every 66 years.
By refining Ptolemy's methods, we achieve a clearer view of celestial mechanics.
The diameter of the Sun is such that it subtends an angle of 32 minutes at the Earth.
Stars are not mere points of light but harbingers of cosmic order.