The Book of Optics (Optica)

The Book of Optics (Optica), written by Ibn al-Haytham in the 11th century, is a pioneering scientific work that explores how light and vision work. It explains how our eyes perceive objects through light rays, and how lenses, mirrors, and the atmosphere influence what we see. Ibn al-Haytham challenged previous ideas, emphasizing that vision results from light entering the eye rather than rays emanating from the eye itself. His work laid the foundation for modern optics, including camera technology and understanding how light behaves, making it a crucial contribution to science and our understanding of sight.