Ibn as-Saffar facts for kids

Ibn as-Saffar was a smart Arab astronomer from Spain. He lived a long time ago, in the 10th and 11th centuries. He was born in Cordoba and passed away in Denia in the year 1035. His full name was Abu al-Qasim Ahmad ibn Abd Allah ibn Umar al-Ghafiqi ibn as-Saffar al-Andalusi. People often called him Ibn as-Saffar, which means "son of the brass worker."

Who Was Ibn as-Saffar?

Ibn as-Saffar was a very important scientist. He worked at a special school in Cordoba. This school was started by his friend and fellow scientist, Al-Majriti. Ibn as-Saffar focused on studying the stars and planets.

His Most Famous Work: The Astrolabe

Ibn as-Saffar's most famous work was a book about the astrolabe. An astrolabe is an old tool used by astronomers. It helped them measure the positions of stars and planets. They could also use it to tell the time or find directions.

His book on the astrolabe was very popular. People used it for hundreds of years, all the way until the 15th century! This book even influenced famous astronomers like Kepler.

Other Important Discoveries

Ibn as-Saffar also wrote a detailed explanation of another important astronomy book. This book was called the Zij as-Sindhind. A "Zij" was a type of astronomy handbook. It contained tables and rules for calculating the positions of celestial bodies.

He also used his skills to measure the exact coordinates of Mecca. This was very important for people to know the correct direction for prayer.

How Ibn as-Saffar Influenced Others

Ibn as-Saffar's work was so good that it inspired other scientists. One of them was Abu as-Salt, who was also a famous scholar.

Some experts believe that a Latin book about the astrolabe, which was used by the famous writer Chaucer, was actually written by Ibn as-Saffar. Chaucer used this book to write his own work called A Treatise on the Astrolabe.

Named in His Honor

Ibn as-Saffar's contributions to science are still remembered today.

• An exoplanet (a planet outside our solar system) is named after him. It is called Saffar, also known as Upsilon Andromedae b.
• There is also an island in Antarctica named Saffar Island to honor him.