Revolutionary Astronomers Flashcard Review

Front

Who first suggested that earth rotated on its axis?

Back

Aristarchus was the first to propose that the Earth rotates on its axis.

Front

Who developed the 3 laws of planetary motion?

Back

Kepler developed the three laws of planetary motion, which describe the orbits of planets around the sun.

Front

Which astronomer of antiquity measured the size of the earth?

Back

Eratosthenes measured the size of the Earth with remarkable accuracy.

Front

What astronomical model places the Earth at the center of the universe?

Back

The Geocentric Model places the Earth at the center of the universe.

Front

Who measured the circumference of the Earth with remarkable accuracy without leaving Egypt?

Back

Eratosthenes measured the circumference of the Earth accurately without leaving Egypt.

Front

What is the Heliocentric Model?

Back

The Heliocentric Model is the astronomical model that places the Sun at the center of the universe.

Front

What are Kepler's three laws of planetary motion?

Back

1. The Law of Orbits: Planets move in elliptical orbits with the Sun at one focus. 2. The Law of Areas: A line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time. 3. The Law of Periods: The square of the orbital period of a planet is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of its orbit.

Front

Who is known as the father of observational astronomy?

Back

Galileo Galilei is often referred to as the father of observational astronomy.

Front

What did Tycho Brahe contribute to astronomy?

Back

Tycho Brahe made precise astronomical observations and laid the groundwork for Kepler's laws.

Front

What is the significance of the Ptolemaic system?

Back

The Ptolemaic system is a geocentric model that dominated ancient astronomy, placing Earth at the center.