Al-Biruni Considers Earth's Rotation

In his astronomical encyclopedia 'Qanun al-Masudi,' completed in 1030 CE, Persian polymath Abu Rayhan al-Biruni discussed the possibility of Earth rotating on its axis. Drawing from his observations and Indian astronomical works, particularly those of Aryabhata, al-Biruni presented mathematical models that could accommodate Earth's rotation. He noted that certain astronomical phenomena could be explained equally well by either a rotating Earth or a moving celestial sphere. While he did not endorse a fully heliocentric model, his consideration of Earth's rotation preceded similar arguments made later by European astronomers.