950-1009

Arab astronomer, astrologer, and mathematician whose al-Zij al- Hakimi al-kabir contains remarkably accurate astronomical calculations. In addition to descriptions of 40 planetary conjunctions and 30 lunar eclipses, the book contains tables for the Muslim, Coptic, Syrian, and Persian calendars. Ibn Yunus, who spent much of his career working for caliphs of the Egyptian Fatimid dynasty, was still in good health when he predicted that he would die in seven days. He completed all unfinished business, locked himself in his house, and recited the Koran until he died—on the day he had predicted he would.