10 Questions
Who is credited with beginning what became known as the Scientific Revolution with his discoveries?
Galileo Galilei
What theory of the Universe, regarding the position of the Earth, lasted for about 2000 years?
Geocentric (earth-centered)
Which ancient astronomer measured the circumference of the Earth to be around 25,000 miles?
Eratosthenes
Why did scientists begin to question the Geocentric Model of the universe?
Due to the use of epicycles to explain planetary motion
Who developed the Heliocentric model of the Universe?
Aristarchus of Samos
What concept enforced by Church teachings was challenged by medieval astronomers' use of epicycles in explaining planetary motion?
The special place of Earth chosen by God
Which astronomer wrote 'On the Revolutions of Heavenly Bodies' in 1543?
Nicolaus Copernicus
Who developed the planetary laws of motion in the 1620s?
Johannes Kepler
Which astronomer improved the telescope and published 'The Starry Messenger' in 1610?
Galileo Galilei
In 1632, who wrote 'A Dialogue Concerning Two Chief World Systems' that poked fun at the Church?
Galileo Galilei
Study Notes
The Scientific Revolution
- Began with Galileo Galilei's discoveries, known as the father of the Scientific Revolution
- Marked a new way of understanding the world and the heavens
Geocentric Universe Model
- Believed the Earth was at the center of the universe
- Lasted for about 2000 years
- Supported by Aristotle (c. 500 BCE) and Ptolemy (c. 100 CE)
- Eratosthenes measured the circumference of the earth, approximately 25,000 miles (actual 24,860 miles)
- View was enforced by Church teachings, with the Earth having a special place chosen by God
- Medieval astronomers used epicycles to explain planetary motion, which led to questioning the Geocentric model
Heliocentric Model of the Universe
- Aristarchus of Samos proposed a heliocentric model c. 300 BCE
- Nicolaus Copernicus studied planetary motions for 20 years and wrote "On the Revolutions of Heavenly Bodies" (1543)
- Tycho Brahe collected observational data, but lacked understanding
- Johannes Kepler developed planetary laws of motion:
- Planets move in elliptical orbits with the Sun as a focus
- A planet covers the same area of space in the same amount of time
- A planet's orbital period is proportional to the size of its orbit (semi-major axis)
- Isaac Newton's laws of motion explained Kepler's discoveries
Telescopes and Observations
- The Telescope was first developed by Dutch sailors
- Galileo Galilei improved the telescope in the 1600s
- Published "The Starry Messenger" in 1610, featuring observations that:
- Fractured deeply held beliefs in the geocentric universe
- Jupiter had 4 moons: Callisto, Ganymede, Io, Europa
- The sun had sun spots
- The moon had a rough, uneven surface
Galileo and the Church
- In 1616, the Catholic Church warned Galileo not to teach or support Copernicus's teachings
- Galileo wrote "A Dialogue in Concerning Two Chief World Systems" in 1632, poking fun at the Church and written in Italian
- In the dialogue, Galileo made Simplicio represent the Church as 'not very intelligent'
Learn about the Scientific Revolution and how Galileo Galilei's discoveries contributed to it. Explore how this period changed our perspective on nature.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
