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Chapter 2: From an Earth-Centered Universe to a Sun-Centered System
Claudius Ptolemy
Claudius Ptolemy was one of the most renowned astronomers and geographers of the ancient world.
Using the link from this site, report on the main topics covered in Ptolemy's book "The Almagest."
Visit the Claudius Ptolemy web site
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Aristarchus of Samos
Aristarchus of Samos was one of the most imaginative thinkers of antiquity.
Report on some of Aristarchus' conclusions that agree with our current understanding of the solar system and others that do not.
Visit the Aristarchus of Samos web site
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Tycho Trivia
Tycho Brahe was a remarkable man, both as an astronomer and as an interesting character.
A) What were Tycho's last words? B) What happened to Tycho on Dec 29, 1566 ("29/12/1566" by the European method)? C) (Tougher) Describe Tycho's world system. (Hint: the Earth is at the center.)
Visit the Tycho Brahe web site
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Johannes Kepler
Kepler's work was instrumental to the success of the Copernican ideas.
After viewing the animation on this site (NASA's Kepler mission), read the brief biography of Johannes Kepler. Report at least two facts about him that are not reported in the textbook. A more detailed biography can be found at the following two sites: http://www-gap.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Mathematicians/Kepler.html and http://galileo.rice.edu/sci/kepler.html.
Visit the Kepler web site
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Kepler's Three Laws
Kepler modified the Copernican model, and his work paved the way for the achievements of Isaac Newton.
Check the simulations for Kepler's three laws. For the simulation for Kepler's first law, be sure to use the slider to change the eccentricity of the satellite's elliptical path. A) What is the eccentricity when the satellite moves in a circular path? B) Why is part of the slider-bar shown in a red color?
Visit the NASA Observatorium web site
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Retrograde Motion of Mars
This beautiful "astronomy picture of the day" shows the retrograde motion of Mars and Uranus. A link takes you to another image where you can watch the retrograde motion of Jupiter and Saturn.
1) Why does Mars appear brightest at the top of its retrograde loop? 2) Follow the "retrograde motion" link to watch the retrograde motions of Jupiter and Saturn. What can you conclude about the time these planets spend on their loops with respect to each other?
Visit the Retrograde Mars web site
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