Topic: Models of the Universe Key Terms: Geocentric Theory Heliocentric Theory.
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Transcript of Topic: Models of the Universe Key Terms: Geocentric Theory Heliocentric Theory.
Topic: Models of the Universe
Key Terms:Geocentric Theory Heliocentric Theory
Geocentric Theory
Ancient Greece
Geocentric Model
• ___• ___
Motion of the other planets
Mars Retrograde Motion
Geocentric Model: Ptolemy (87-150 AD) Used epicycles to explain planetary
movements
Retrograde Motion
Ptolemy’s system provided the first framework for all discussion of the universe for nearly 1500 years!!
But… there was a problem…
Problems with Geocentric Theory
1. This model does explain apparent motions of celestial (space) objects
2. Cannot explain Foucault’s Pendulum or the Coriolis Effect
Heliocentric Theory
Heliocentric Model
• ___• ___
Copernicus (1473-1543) • Suggests a model that
the Sun was the center of the universe.
• Argued that the motion of the Sun & planets could be equally described by a Sun centered (heliocentric) system.
Earth1
Sun
1
2
3
4
5
6
6
Outer Planet
5
4
3
2
Fixed Stars
Planet's apparent path around sky.
Earth overtakes slow outer planet so the outer planet appears to slow down, move in reverse, and then move forward again with respect to the fixed stars.
Retrograde Motion
http://faculty.salisbury.edu/~jwhoward/astro108/html/GeoHelio.ppt#274,10,Slide 10
Tycho Brahe (1546-1601): the greatest of the pre-telescope observers in Europe.20+ years measuring the positions of the Sun, Moon and planets with great accuracy.
Johannes Kepler (1609)• Johannes Kepler was an assistant to
Tycho Brahe. He used Brahe’s observations to study the orbit of Mars
• Discovered three laws of planetary motion: predict with accuracy the motions of the planets
• Galileo (1564-1642) first scientist to use a telescope to observe the sky. He observed the phases of Venus and the moons of Jupiter. Both observations supported the heliocentric model.
Modern Universe
Is the Sun the center of the Universe?
Final Question
• Final Question
The Great Debate
• Pick a side and argue the concept of heliocentric versus geocentric theory!
• Based on the findings presented what is the best definition of a theory?
• What are some theories that could possibly be changed or altered through the knowledge of more information.