Ancient Greeks and the Spherical Earth

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What shape did Aristotle believe the Earth and celestial bodies were?

Oval

Sphere (correct)

Triangle

Square

What did Aristotle consider to be the perfect shape?

Circle (correct)

Rectangle

Square

Triangle

What was the material that Aristotle believed made up the heavens?

Water

Fire

Air

Ether (correct)

Why did Aristotle believe the Earth was imperfect?

Because it was constantly changing Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Aristotle's arguments for the Earth being a sphere?

The Earth's shadow is always circular Signup and view all the answers

Why did Aristotle believe that the Earth's component pieces would form a sphere?

Because of the gravitational attraction towards the center Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with being the first to propose that the Earth was round?

Pythagoras Signup and view all the answers

What observation did Aristotle make about the stars in Egypt and Cyprus?

Some stars seen in Egypt could not be seen in Cyprus Signup and view all the answers

What did Pythagoras use to support his idea of a spherical Earth?

Aesthetic grounds and the concept of perfect shape Signup and view all the answers

What was the basis of Aristotle's argument that the Earth was a sphere?

The perfection of the spherical shape and the heavens being regions of perfection Signup and view all the answers

What did Eratosthenes and Aristarchus do together?

Calculated the circumference of the Earth Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Polaris in Pythagoras' idea of a spherical Earth?

It was a star that appeared to shift to a higher position in the sky as one journeyed north Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of astronomy as a science?

Determination of the positions, dimensions, and movements of celestial bodies Signup and view all the answers

What observation did Aristotle make during lunar eclipses to support a spherical earth model?

The curvature of the earth's shadow on the moon is consistent Signup and view all the answers

What would a flat penny produce if rotated 90 degrees to the sunlight?

An entirely different shape Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the changing seasons on Earth?

The planet is slightly tilted on its axis as it travels around the Sun Signup and view all the answers

Why does Aristotle's observation of lunar eclipses support a spherical earth model?

Because the earth's shadow has a consistent curvature Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the Sun is at its closest point to the equatorial plane?

Equinox Signup and view all the answers

At which point in their orbit do planets move the fastest?

When they are at their closest point to the Sun Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of observing the Pole Star's position in the sky during short travels northwards?

The earth is spherical Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the greatest distance between a planet or other body and the Sun?

Aphelion Signup and view all the answers

How does the shape of a sphere differ from a flat penny in terms of shadow production?

A sphere produces a consistent curvature, while a flat penny produces different shapes Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of observing similar curvatures during multiple lunar eclipses?

It proves that the earth is spherical Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following celestial bodies is closest to the Earth?

The Sun Signup and view all the answers

What is the antumbra in a shadow?

The lighter part of a shadow that forms at a certain distance from the object casting the shadow Signup and view all the answers

What type of eclipse occurs when the Sun or Moon is completely obscured?

Total eclipse Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the word 'planet'?

It comes from the Greek word 'planetes', meaning 'wanderer' Signup and view all the answers

Which planet is known as the 'Morning Star' or 'Evening Star'?

Venus Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of Jupiter?

It has a massive storm, the Great Red Spot Signup and view all the answers

How many confirmed moons does Saturn have?

146 moons Signup and view all the answers