Unit 1: Ancient Astronomy

Front

Aristotle's contribution to astronomy

Back

Credited with the idea that Nature follows a set of natural rules and believed the heavens moved in perfect circles around an imperfect Earth.

Front

Eratosthenes' achievement

Back

Used geometry and shadows to conclude the Earth is round and calculated the circumference of the Earth with 90% accuracy in 250 BCE.

Front

Ptolemy's explanation for planetary movement

Back

Used epicycles to try to explain retrograde movement of planets.

Front

Geocentric model

Back

Earth-centered universe.

Front

Chinese Astronomy's firsts

Back

First to record a supernova and the first civilization to create a star catalogue.

Front

Retrograde motion

Back

When a planet appears to reverse its direction of motion and moves toward the west with respect to the stars.

Front

Astrology's belief

Back

The belief that the positions of celestial objects influence events on Earth.

Front

Mayan Astronomy's creation

Back

Created the Mayan Calendar, the most complex and accurate calendar of any known civilization.

Front

Egyptian Astronomy's use

Back

Developed and used astronomy for practical purposes such as developing a calendar to predict the Nile flood.

Front

Astral Theology

Back

The worship of stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies as deities.