Revolutionary Astronomers Quiz Review

Which astronomer first suggested that the Earth rotates on its axis?

• Ptolemy

• Copernicus

• Aristarchus

• Galileo

What is the significance of elliptical orbits in Kepler's laws?

• Elliptical orbits describe how planets move around the Sun, varying their distance and speed.

• Elliptical orbits are only theoretical and do not apply to real planetary motion.

• Elliptical orbits indicate that planets move in perfect circles around the Sun.

• Elliptical orbits suggest that the Sun moves around the planets instead.

What is the significance of Thuban in ancient astronomy?

• Thuban was the brightest star in the night sky.

• Thuban was the pole star during the time of the construction of the Pyramids.

• Thuban was used to navigate the seas by ancient mariners.

• Thuban was the first star to be cataloged by astronomers.

How did the work of Copernicus influence later astronomers?

• It introduced the geocentric model of the universe.

• It laid the groundwork for future astronomers like Kepler and Galileo.

• It proved that the Earth is flat.

• It suggested that planets move in perfect circles.

Who was Tycho Brahe and what was his contribution to astronomy?

• A mathematician known for his theories on gravity.

• An astronomer known for his accurate and comprehensive astronomical observations.

• A physicist who developed the laws of motion.

• A philosopher who studied the nature of the universe.

What did Eratosthenes use to calculate the Earth's circumference?

• The height of mountains

• The angles of shadows in different locations

• The distance between cities

• The position of stars

What was one inaccuracy of the Copernican model?

• That the universe was made of 8 spheres.

• That the Earth was at the center of the universe.

• That the planets moved in perfect circles.

• That the stars were fixed in place.

What was the role of the Church in astronomy during the time of Johannes Kepler?

• The Church had significant influence over astronomical studies and supported certain models.

• The Church rejected all scientific findings and prohibited astronomical studies.

• The Church was indifferent to astronomy and focused solely on theology.

• The Church promoted heliocentric models exclusively and opposed geocentric views.

What was one of the main criticisms of the Ptolemaic system?

• It accurately placed the Earth at the center of the universe.

• It was the first heliocentric model of the solar system.

• It placed the Earth at the center of the universe, which was later proven incorrect.

• It was based on the principles of Newtonian physics.

What did Aristarchus propose about the structure of the solar system?

• The Earth revolves around the Sun.

• The Sun revolves around the Earth.

• The planets revolve around the Moon.

• The stars are fixed and do not move.