Riyadh Festival Celebrates 10th Century Astronomer Mariam Al-Astrolabi

The STEAM Festival, organized by the King Salman Science Oasis, is currently celebrating the pioneering life of 10th-century female astronomer Mariam Al-Astrolabi, as well as the achievements of women scientists throughout the Kingdom.

Running until September 30th, this year’s festival, themed ‘Fun Chemistry’, aims to raise awareness about the vital role of women in science and to encourage girls to pursue careers in STEAM fields.

Al-Astrolabi, also known as Al-Ijliyya, was an influential 10th-century astronomer active in Aleppo under the patronage of the Hamdanid dynasty. She excelled in producing astrolabes, complex mechanical devices used for marine navigation and determining the times and direction of prayers for Muslims.

In 1990, American astronomer Henry E. Holt honored Al-Astrolabi by naming one of the asteroids he discovered at the Palomar Observatory in San Diego, California, after her.