185)Whats new in the world of Astronomy?

Its been a while since I posted any pictures and material from the world of Astronomy(last post was no. 169):

http://easynash.blogspot.com/2007/04/169one-hour-of-contemplation-on-works.html

Muslims collected and absorbed all the knowledge that had been accumulated on this subject before them and then added to this body of knowledge in spectacular fashion; Some of the most scintillating stars continue to bear their Arabic names, as seen in the following earlier posts of mine:

http://easynash.blogspot.com/2007/01/102big-dipper-and-little-dipper-in.html

http://easynash.blogspot.com/2007/01/97another-legacy-to-pantheon-of-world.html

http://easynash.blogspot.com/2006/12/92three-scintillating-blue-supergiant.html

http://easynash.blogspot.com/2006/12/al-nitak-al-nilam-mintaka-betelgeuse-al.html

http://easynash.blogspot.com/2006/12/signsayats-in-universe-astronomy_2172.html

Muslims became involved with Astronomy early on not just to further their knowledge of and stoke their wonder at the many marvels in Allah's creation but also for 3 very practical reasons: firstly, to establish accurately the times to perform the 5 daily prayers; secondly, to establish the beginning and end of the fasting month of Ramadan and monthly gatherings to celebrate the onset of the new moon('Chandraat'); and thirdly, to help them navigate day and night through vast deserts devoid of signposts and landmarks.

The following are a selection of some of the photographs taken recently by astrophotographers around the world and collected on NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day website: they reflect a universe of unimaginable size with galaxies, stars and planets seperated by unimaginable distances and having unique shapes:

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap070602.html

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap070601.html

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap070531.html

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap070530.html

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070529.html

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070527.html

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070526.html

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070525.html

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070523.html

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070522.html

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070518.html

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070515.html

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070514.html

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070513.html


easynash

Islam, eminently logical, placing the greatest emphasis on knowledge, purports to understand God's creation:Aga Khan 4(2006)
The God of the Quran is the One whose Ayats(Signs) are the Universe in which we live, move and have our being:Aga Khan 3(1952)
Our interpretation of Islam places enormous value on knowledge. Knowledge is the reflection of faith if it is used properly. Seek out that knowledge and use it properly:Aga Khan 4(2005)