The Ancient Astronomers

1
The Ancient Astronomers
2
You must know these things

• The astronomers name (spelling not required)
• Each astronomers country
• The relative age of each astronomer (which came
  first, second, third, and last)
• One or two important facts for which each
  astronomer is best remembered (marked on
  slideshow with )

3

• Aristotle
• 384-322 B.C.
• Lived in Greece

4
Facts about Aristotle
He wrote philosophy and science facts that became
the foundation for much of what we believe. He
invented the terms MATTER and METEOROLOGY,
although they have changed a little since he
first used them He studied the sky, especially
comets, but thought they existed within the
Earths atmosphere.

5

• Ptolemy
• 85-165
• Lived in Egypt

6
Facts about Ptolemy
One of the most influential Egyptian astronomers
and geographers of his time Promoted the
geocentric theory, which prevailed for 1400
years A top mathematician for his time his
theory was based on mathematical formulas.

7

• Copernicus
• 1473-1543
• Lived in Poland

8
Facts about Copernicus
He studied astronomy as a mathematical course so
he could understand the calendar and so that he
would gain skills that would help him to become a
sea captain. Around 1514 he first began to talk
of a heliocentric theory, that the Earth revolves
around the Sun. His book was published at the
time of his death, and the publisher changed the
title and wrote a preface which prevented
immediate condemnation.

9

• Galileo
• 1564-1642
• Lived in Italy

10
Facts about Galileo
Taught mathematics at a university to support his
family, so he studied astronomy as did
Copernicus. Called himself a Copernican Develo
ped the newly invented telescope into a usable
instrument for studying the stars, which led him
to proof of the heliocentric theory Stated
publicly that Copernicus was correct and
Aristotle was wrong He was found guilty of
heresy by the church, and forced to take recant
his beliefs.