The Solar System Flashcards
What was the evidence to show the Earth is not flat?
Position change of stars at different latitudes
What is the geocentric model?
Sun and planets orbit the Earth
How did Ptolomy explain retrograde movements of planets?
Planets have epicycles
What did Copernicus propose?
The heliocentric model
What is the heliocentric model?
Earth and planets orbit the sun
How did Galileo confirm the Copernicus model (heliocentric model) ?
Observing phases of Venus
What is the paradigm shift did Copernicus cause?
Movement in the belief from geocentric to heliocentric model
After Tycho Brahe used the telescope to make observations on planetary movements, what did he discover?
-Orbits might not be perfect circles
What is the principle of Simplicity?
When there are two competing theories, the simpler theory is preferred
What is another name for the principle of simplicity?
Occam’s razor or Ockham’s razor
How were computer-based models used?
They can make testable predictions, which can be especially useful when experimentation is not possible
What are asteroids?
Rocky debris ranging in size - mostly found inbetween asteroid belts between Mars and Jupiter
What are comets?
A mixture of ice (methane water and nitrogen) and dust/rock
What is the Kuiper belt?
Remnants of the solar system formation found on the outer region of the solar system.
What are objects in the Kuiper belt normally like?
Either rocky and/or icy and includes the dwarf planets Pluto, Haumea and MakeMake
