The Revolution In Astronomy Summary

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The Revolution in Astronomy
Read the article, "The Revolution in Astronomy" and take notes. Concentrate on the following people / terms: • Heliocentric theory: This is a theory proposed by a few ancient astronomers, and adopted by some medieval philosophers, which claims that the earth moved about the sun. But since it seemed to be contradictory to common sense and observed data of the time, such theory was only accepted to a minority of people before the second quarter of the seventeenth century. • Empirical method: ""Empirical means that all evidence must be based on evidence, so the empirical method refers to the use of hypothesis, which actually can be tested via observation and experiment. • Copernicus: Nicholas Copernicus postulated that the earth and all the other planets orbit the sun, based on his studies. Also, his major work helped the calendar reform--the Gregorian calendar was based on Copernicus' calculations. But since his work didn't resolve the physical problems his ideas raised, Copernicus didn't "constitute a revolution", but he initiated one. • …show more content…

He also built an observatory, Uraniborg, where large and finely calibrated instruments were used to get precise measurement soy celestial movements. • Kepler: Johannes Kepler used Brahe's data to further develop Copernicus's model and reached a more accurate heliocentric theory. Kepler mathematically confirmed the Copernican heliocentric hypothesis. • Galileo: Galileo Galilei provided "compelling new evidence to support Copernican theory", and has created inventions like military compass and telescope. However, his acceptance of Copernicanism aroused opposition, and Galileo was forces to stand trial for heresy in Rome in

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