Who was the father of modern optics?

We think of Newton and Kepler as establishing our modern understanding of the nature of light, but the medieval Arabic world was full of geniuses who made remarkable discoveries. Ibn al-Haytham's Book of Optics, written 1000 years ago, influenced many Renaissance artists, Ibn Sahl discovered Snell's Law of Refraction more than 600 years before him, Ibn Mu'adh measured the height of the atmosphere using reflected sunlight and al-Farisi gave the first correct explanation of rainbows. Join Jim Al-Khalili as he explores these stories and characters in more depth.

Time: 18.30-19.30
Date: Wednesday 9 September 

Organised by: British Science Association

Most suitable for ages 16+