Classical and Renaissance Astronomy

Front

What is the Classical Period of astronomy known for?

Back

Observing the night sky with instruments, and using mathematics and models.

Front

What is the Renaissance Period of astronomy known for?

Back

Using telescopes to peer deep into the solar system and observe other galaxies.

Front

What does Kepler's first law of planetary motion state?

Back

Planets move in elliptical orbits.

Front

Which Classical astronomer developed the relative sizes and distances from Earth to the Moon and Sun?

Back

Aristarchus.

Front

What conclusion about the Earth's shape was drawn from lunar eclipse observations?

Back

The spherical shape of the Earth.

Front

What is the significance of Eratosthenes in astronomy?

Back

He calculated the Earth's circumference using shadows and geometry.

Front

What did Aristotle contribute to the understanding of the universe?

Back

He proposed a geocentric model where Earth is at the center of the universe.

Front

What is the heliocentric model?

Back

A model of the solar system where the Sun is at the center and planets orbit around it.

Front

What did Galileo discover with his telescope?

Back

He observed moons of Jupiter, phases of Venus, and sunspots.

Front

What is the importance of the telescope in Renaissance astronomy?

Back

It allowed astronomers to observe celestial bodies in greater detail.