Topic: Models of the Universe

Key Terms:
Geocentric Theory
Heliocentric Theory
 Geocentric Theory

Ancient Greece
 Geocentric Model
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Motion of the other planets

Mars Retrograde Motion

Geocentric Model: Ptolemy (87-150 AD)
Used epicycles to explain planetary movements
Retrograde Motion
Ptolemys system provided the first
framework for all discussion of the
universe for nearly 1500 years!!

But there was a problem

Problems with Geocentric Theory

1. This model does explain apparent

motions of celestial (space) objects

2. Cannot explain Foucaults Pendulum or

the Coriolis Effect
Heliocentric Theory
 Heliocentric Model
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Copernicus (1473-1543)
Suggests a model that the Sun
was the center of the universe.
Argued that the motion of the
Sun & planets could be equally
described by a Sun centered
(heliocentric) system.
 Retrograde Motion Planet's
apparent path
around sky.
6

6 5
5
4

3
Sun
3

2 2 4
1
Earth

Outer
Planet 1

Earth overtakes slow outer planet so the outer

planet appears to slow down, move in reverse, and Fixed Stars
then move forward again with respect to the fixed
stars.
http://faculty.salisbury.edu/~jwhoward/astro108/html/GeoHelio.ppt#274,10,Slide 10
Tycho Brahe (1546-1601): the
greatest of the pre-telescope
observers in Europe.
20+ years measuring the positions
of the Sun, Moon and planets with
great accuracy.
Johannes Kepler (1609)
Johannes Kepler was an assistant to
Tycho Brahe. He used Brahes
observations to study the orbit of Mars
Discovered three laws of planetary
motion: predict with accuracy the
motions of the planets
 Galileo (1564-1642) first scientist to
use a telescope to observe the sky. He
observed the phases of Venus and the
moons of Jupiter. Both observations
supported the heliocentric model.
 Modern Universe
Is the Sun the center of the Universe?
Final Question

Final Question