How did Ptolemy's model of the solar system explain the apparent changes in speed and direction of the planets?(1 point)
Responses
The planets were attached to crystalline surfaces.
The planets were attached to crystalline surfaces.
The planets had a significant stellar parallax.
The planets had a significant stellar parallax.
The planets spun on epicycles.
The planets spun on epicycles.
The planets were fixed to nested spheres.
The planets spun on epicycles.
The correct answer is: The planets spun on epicycles.
In Ptolemy's model of the solar system, the apparent changes in speed and direction of the planets were explained by the concept of epicycles. According to this model, each planet moved along a smaller circle called an epicycle, while the center of the epicycle itself moved along a larger circle called a deferent around the Earth. This combination of motions allowed for the explanation of the observed retrograde motion and changes in speed of the planets in the night sky.