AntecedentsThe heliocentric theory wasn't the first, or last, of it's kind.
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Before and After the Heliocentric Theory |
By Chloe Burkett
The Ptolemaic Model (90- 168)-During his lifetime, a Greek astronomer by the name of Claudius Ptolemy developed theories regarding planetary motion and a geocentric universe. He used the studies of Aristotle (a Greek philosopher before him) to develop what we now call The Ptolemaic Model. This was one of the first models of planetary motion to be created in history. It described the orbits that planets took in epicycles: circle on circle movement (Ancient Greek Astronomy and Cosmology). This model also displayed Earth as the center of the universe (Geocentric) which, though conflicting Copernicus's beliefs (sun-centered/heliocentric universe), was useful to his studies by providing a solid base for research. Though not proven directly by him, his successors gave the universe justice through their intense studies and relentless observation.
The Invention of the Telescope (1600's)-The telescope was a groundbreaking innovation. It was first used for astronomical observations in the early 1600’s by Galileo Galilei, an astronomer, mathematician, physicist and philosopher who lived during the Scientific Revolution (1564-1642). He enhanced the telescope's original state by amplifying it's magnification to be about 32 times better. Galileo used his new telescope to observe, record, and prove Copernicus's heliocentric theory true. Shortly after releasing these ideas, he was condemned to torture by the Catholic Church until confession (of lying about it being true) and eventually died under house arrest. However, the heliocentric theory, and Galileo's telescope, lived on to carry their legacies. Both of these innovations are still used today in astronomical studies and they provided a stable base for modern science.
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To Conclude...The heliocentric theory wasn't the last astrological innovation to come. Many more creations will arise with time, using this theory as their base and building upon those of their past just like Copernicus.
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