* Astronomy

Two prominent scientists are set to visit Glasgow next week (20th September 2007) to give an insight into the importance of astronomy in Islam.  Dr Robert Massey of the Royal Astronomical Society  and Dr Usama Hasan are coming to the city to chart the story of Islamic astronomy in a talk timed to commemorate Ramadhan. The public talk will take place under the stars of Glasgow Science Centre's planetarium.
Dr Massey will use the technology of the planetarium (the facility is one of the best in the world)  to demonstrate how different calendar systems from around the globe connect to the Sun, Moon and stars. The thought provoking talk includes a star show under the star dome showing just how the Sun changes its position over the course of the year and how the Moon changes its phases every month.
Dr Hasan will explore the Islamic  lunar-based calendar (also known as a Hegiran calendar). The Islamic calendar is a *pure lunar calendar  - one which has a year which does not follow the seasons.  There are 12 lunar months in a year of about 354 days - about 11 days shorter than the solar year, Muslim holy days, although celebrated on set dates in their own calendar, usually occur 11 days earlier each solar year. Dr Hasan will examine just why this is such a crucial issue for contemporary Islam.

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