The Ulugh Beg Observatory in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, which was built in the 1420s. Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC News:

The community is invite to journey through the rich history of Islamic Astronomy at the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC)’s planetarium 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20.

This unique event, presented by Galen Gisler, will shed light on the crucial contributions of medieval Islamic scholars to our understanding of the cosmos. While Western education often overlooks this vibrant period between the ancient Greeks and the Renaissance, Gisler will bridge that gap by exploring the groundbreaking work of astronomers such as al-Kwarizmi, al-Haytham and Ulugh Beg.

Discover how their advances in astronomy, mathematics, and physics have shaped current knowledge and why many of the bright stars in the night sky bear Arabic names.

With tickets priced at $8 for adults and $6 for children, this is an opportunity to deepen one’s appreciation for the global history of science. Don’t miss this chance to experience the universe through a different lens.

Upcoming Events:

• Mayan Archeoastronomy, a fulldome film in the planetarium at 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit peecnature.org/events.

Stay connected on social media for updates on each week’s activities.

About PEEC:

PEEC was founded in 2000 to serve the community of Los Alamos. It offers people of all ages a way to enrich their lives by strengthening their connections to our canyons, mesas, mountains, and skies. PEEC operates the Los Alamos Nature Center at 2600 Canyon Road, holds regular programs and events, and hosts several interest groups, from birding to hiking to butterfly watching. PEEC activities are open to everyone; however, members receive exclusive benefits such as discounts on programs and gift shop merchandise. Annual memberships start at $35. To learn more, visit peecnature.org/support/membership/.