Ibn al-Samh facts for kids

Abū al‐Qāsim Aṣbagh ibn Muḥammad ibn al‐Samḥ al‐Gharnāṭī al-Mahri, often called Ibn al‐Samḥ, was a brilliant Arab mathematician and astronomer from a place called Al-Andalus (which was a part of Spain ruled by Muslims long ago). He was born in Córdoba in 979 and passed away in Granada in 1035. Ibn al-Samh was famous for his writings about how to build and use special tools like the astrolabe. He also created the first known work on a tool called the equatorium, which helped understand how planets move. In mathematics, he wrote about Euclid's geometry and helped develop early algebra.

An exoplanet (a planet outside our solar system) named Samh, also known as Upsilon Andromedae c, was named in his honor. This was part of a special project by the IAU called NameExoWorlds.

A Brilliant Mind from Al-Andalus

Ibn al-Samh started his work at a famous school in Córdoba. This school was founded by another great scholar named Al-Majriti. Córdoba was a very important center for learning and science during that time.

Moving to Granada

Later, because of some political changes and troubles in Córdoba, Ibn al-Samh had to move. He went to Granada, another important city in Al-Andalus. There, he found work with a ruler named Ḥabbūs ibn Māksan. This allowed him to continue his important studies and writings.

Amazing Inventions and Discoveries

Ibn al-Samh was especially known for his books, which are called treatises. These books explained how to make and use the astrolabe. An astrolabe was a very useful tool for astronomers and sailors. It helped them figure out the time, the positions of stars, and even their location.

He also wrote the very first known book about the equatorium. This was a special device used to calculate the positions of planets more easily. Before computers, these tools were incredibly advanced and important for understanding the sky.

Contributions to Mathematics

Beyond astronomy, Ibn al-Samh also made big contributions to mathematics. He wrote a detailed explanation of Euclid's famous book on geometry, which is still studied today. He also helped develop early algebra, a type of math that uses letters and symbols to solve problems. His work helped lay the groundwork for future mathematical discoveries.

His Legacy Lives On

Ibn al-Samh was one of several Arab scholars whose work was so important that they were mentioned in Latin texts. These texts often referred to him as "Abulcasim." His discoveries and writings helped advance science and mathematics. Naming an exoplanet after him shows just how much his work is still valued today.