5. What was different about Copernicus's model of the solar system that is still accepted today?
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1 point
The planets move in perfect circles.
All planets orbit the Sun at the same speed.
The outer planets move in epicycles.
The sun is in the center of the solar system
The sun is in the center of the solar system.
The sun is in the center of the solar system
The correct answer is: The sun is in the center of the solar system.
To understand why Copernicus's model was different and why it is still accepted today, we need to explore the historical context. Before Copernicus, the widely accepted model of the solar system was the geocentric model, which placed the Earth at the center and had all other celestial bodies, including the Sun, orbiting around it.
Copernicus proposed a heliocentric model, which means that the sun is at the center of the solar system and the planets, including Earth, revolve around it. This was a groundbreaking idea and differed significantly from the earlier geocentric model.
Copernicus's model was considered revolutionary because it offered a simpler and more accurate explanation of the motions of the planets. It resolved various observed phenomena, such as the retrograde motion of the planets, more effectively than the geocentric model.
Over time, Copernicus's model gained more support and was further developed by other astronomers, such as Kepler and Galileo. Through their observations and calculations, it became evident that the sun-centered model provided a better understanding of the solar system.
Today, Copernicus's heliocentric model is still accepted because it aligns with extensive observational and scientific evidence. It forms the foundation of modern astronomy and our understanding of the movements and interactions of celestial bodies.