Astronomy - Changes in Astronomy Over

Time Worksheet
1. Which astronomical model dominated the western world for over a thousand years?

 The Ptolemaic astronomical model dominated western astronomical

thought for over a thousand
 years.


2. Describe a key feature of the Ptolemaic System.

One of the key features of the Ptolemaic System was the use of epicycles, which were small
circles that a planet moved along to explain its retrograde motion (apparent backwards
movement in  the sky). Ptolemy believed that each planet moved on two concentric circles,
one larger and one smaller, with the centre of the smaller circle moving along the larger
one. This explained the apparent changes in a planet’s speed and direction in the sky.
3. Suggest a reason why the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples would be considered
ancient astronomers.


Aboriginal Australians have devised various practical methods to observe celestial
bodies like the Sun, Moon and stars which they apply for purposes such as navigation,
knowledge of seasonal changes and weather prediction.


4. Describe the heliocentric universe model.

 The Sun was at the centre and the planets orbited around it.

5. Galileo Galilei is regarded as the father of modern observational astronomy and this can
be attributed to his improved telescope design.
Describe why improving the telescope’s design was significant to his discoveries.


He improved the telescope’s design, which allowed him
to make significant observations of

the heavens and publish his findings in ‘Sidereus
Nuncius’
 (The Starry Messenger) in 1610.
With the telescope, he observed the phases of Venus,
 demonstrating that it orbits the Sun,
and he discovered four large moons orbiting Jupiter,

later named the Galilean moons.


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 Astronomy - Changes in Astronomy Over Time Worksheet

6. What event resulted in Galileo Galilei being placed under house arrest during the last
few years of his life?


Galileo’s support

of the heliocentric model and his publication of ‘Dialogue Concerning the Two
Chief World Systems’ (1632) led to him being charged with heresy by the Catholic Church and
 placed under house arrest for the last years of his life.


7. Describe how Australian Aboriginal Peoples transmit their narratives to the next generation.
these
 astronomical occurrences provide the fundamental basis for narratives
that are transmitted across generations through traditions like song lines, dancing and oral
 history persevering for tens of thousands of years


8. Identify the author and title of the book that outlines the laws of motion and universal
gravitation.


The German astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) was an astronomer and mathematician
who made major contributions to our understanding of the solar system. He worked with the
observational data collected by Tycho Brahe to formulate his laws of planetary motion.


9. What are the three techniques that have helped astronomers discover thousands of exoplanets?
Astronomers have discovered thousands of exoplanets (planets outside our solar system)using

various techniques, including radial velocity, transit and direct imaging. This has led to a better
understanding
 of the diversity of planetary systems and the potential for extraterrestrial life.

10. Identify the two mysterious phenomena discovered by astronomers that cannot be observed
directly.


Astronomers have discovered that most of the matter in the universe is composed of dark
matter and dark energy, two mysterious phenomena that do not interact with light and cannot
be directly observed.
 Despite this, their presence can be inferred through their gravitational
effects on visible matter.


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the standards of the Twinkl Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples related content guidelines. All
content that relates to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples has been approved by our Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Content Advisor to ensure it is culturally appropriate and respectful.
Twinkl Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing
connection to land, sea and community. We show respect to Elders both past and present.

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