AST 2002 Astronomers Review

who was the first astronomer we discussed in class?

Aristarchus

second astronomer discussed in class

Ptolemy

third astronomer discussed in class

Hypatia

4th astronomer discussed in class

Nicholas Copernicus

5th astronomer discussed in class

Tycho Brahe

6th astronomer discussed in class

Johannes Kepler

7th astronomer discussed in class

Galileo Galilei

8th (and final) astronomer discussed in class

Isaac Newton

Greek astronomer, wrote first version of Almagest and (incorrectly) solved retrograde problem

Ptolemy

Female Greek astronomer, edited Almagest, wrote Astronomical Canon

Hypatia

Greek astronomer, first to suggest sun-centered solar system in 260 BC

Aristarchus

Renaissance era astronomer, first to formulate comprehensive heliocentric model in 1540s, which was still incorrect (bc of perfect circles concept)

Nicholas Copernicus

Danish astronomer, helped refute celestial sphere model, made most accurate astronomical predictions of his time, provided data for Kepler, tried to observe parallax

Tycho Brahe

German mathematician hired by Tycho Brahe, developed laws of planetary motion using Brahe’s data, which explained how things happened but not why

Johannes Kepler

Italian astronomer, improved the telescope, saw other planets in orbit, disproved “perfection of heavens” theory by seeing “imperfections” in sunspots and craters

Galileo Galilei

English astronomer, developed the 3 laws of motion & law of gravitation, explained the why to Kepler’s findings, used Galileo’s insights, developed calculus

Isaac Newton