Ancient Astronomy: Greek Contributions

Greeks believed in a ______ model where Earth is at the center of the universe.

Anaxagoras explained that the Moon shines due to ______ sunlight.

Aristotle concluded that Earth is ______ based on its curved shadow during a lunar eclipse.

Aristarchus proposed the ______ theory, placing the Sun at the center of the universe.

Hipparchus cataloged ______ stars and classified them by brightness.

Anaxagoras stated that the Sun is a large, hot ______.

The ______ of the Equinoxes was discovered by Hipparchus, noting the Earth's axis wobbles.

Aristarchus used ______ to estimate that the Sun was much larger than the Moon.

Aristotle rejected the idea of a ______ Earth, believing it was stationary.

Ancient Astronomy: Greek Contributions

Greeks pioneered the use of geometry and trigonometry for measuring celestial bodies like the Sun and Moon.
The prevailing belief was in a geocentric model, positioning Earth at the center of the universe, with celestial bodies orbiting around it.

Key Figures in Ancient Astronomy

Anaxagoras (499-428 BC)

Born in Clazomenae, Ionia (modern-day Turkey).
Proposed that the Moon is spherical, shining from reflected sunlight.
Explained lunar phases and eclipses accurately.
Suggested that the Sun is a large, hot rock rather than a divine entity.

Aristotle (384-322 BC)

Born in Stagira, Greece.
Determined Earth must be spherical by observing its curved shadow during lunar eclipses.
Described phases of the Moon and mechanisms behind eclipses.
Advocated for a stationary Earth at the universe's center, dismissing the concept of Earth’s motion.

Aristarchus (310-230 BC)

Born on the island of Samos.
Introduced the heliocentric theory, asserting that the Sun is at the universe's center.
Attempted to calculate relative sizes and distances of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
Used geometric principles to estimate the Sun as much larger and further from Earth than the Moon, though his measurements were inaccurate.

Hipparchus (190-120 BC)

Born in Nicaea, Bithynia (Turkey).
Created a catalog of 850 stars, classifying them by brightness.
Discovered the "Precession of the Equinoxes," noting the 26,000-year wobble of Earth's axis.
Accurately measured the length of the solar year and devised methods to predict lunar eclipses.

Explore the fascinating world of Ancient Astronomy and the significant contributions of Greek astronomers. Discover how geometry and trigonometry shaped their understanding of celestial bodies, and learn about key figures like Anaxagoras who explained the Moon's phases and eclipses. This quiz will test your knowledge of ancient astronomical theories and models.