Birth of Modern Astronomy

Front

What does Kepler's third law state?

Back

The square of a planet’s orbital period (P²) is equal to the cube of the semi-major axis of its orbit (a³).

Front

Who was the first to use a telescope to observe the heavens?

Back

Galileo Galilei.

Front

What shape do planets orbit the Sun according to Kepler's first law?

Back

In an ellipse (stretched out circle).

Front

Why did Galileo face criticism for his observations?

Back

His findings went against strict church teachings.

Front

What was Johannes Kepler's role with Tycho Brahe?

Back

Kepler was hired to make mathematical sense of Brahe's data.

Front

What is an astronomical unit (A.U.)?

Back

A unit of measurement equal to the average distance from the Earth to the Sun, approximately 93 million miles.

Front

What did Copernicus propose about the solar system?

Back

He proposed the heliocentric model, stating that the Sun is at the center of the solar system.

Front

What is the significance of Galileo's observations of Jupiter's moons?

Back

They provided evidence that not everything orbits the Earth, supporting the heliocentric model.

Front

What did Kepler's second law state about planetary motion?

Back

A line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time.

Front

What was the impact of the telescope on astronomy?

Back

It allowed for more detailed observations of celestial bodies, leading to significant discoveries.