Learning Competencies

1. Cite examples of astronomical phenomenon known to astronomers

before the advent of telescopes. [IVa-41]

2. Identify observations that support the Ptolemaic model.

3. Explain how some of these observations weaken the support for the
Ptolemaic model.

4. Explain why the Ptolemaic model is able to cope with the increasing
accuracy of the observed positions of the celestial objects
Ptolemaic system
• Accurate

• consistent with the Two-Domains view

• The two domains view is a belief that objects and their motion on Earth
(Terrestrial Domain) is different from the objects found in the Sky
(Celestial Domain).

• also consistent with the prevailing philosophical framework of

understanding the Universe
Expected physical observations
on the surface of the Earth
(terrestrial domain)
( based on the Aristotelian physics)
1. If the Earth rotates about its axis, given the calculated
circumference of the Earth by Eratosthenes all objects must be
moving at about 2,000 kph.

2. The spinning Earth would cause object to fly out, which does
not happen.
3. Falling things would veer towards the west as they fall, the
arrows are not seen to veer away from intended target.

4. Spinning or orbiting Earth would require enormous amount of

constant force to keep it moving.
Naked Eye Observations
Supporting the
Ptolemaic system
1. No parallax of the stars, since the annual pattern of the planets does not
change

2. The apparent size of the stars does not change

3. Some basic physics in the terrestrial domain is not observed

Nature of Greek Philosophy
Got right
1. The workings of the Universe can be explained using
mechanical models.

2. They know that the celestial object move in circular motion.

3.The shape of the celestial objects are generally “spherical”.

4. Models should be improved with new observations.

5. Given two models that are both able to explain the observed
phenomena adequately

6. They have recognized the need for more accurate

measurements of the planets’ position in the sky.
Got Wrong
1. The Earth is the absolute center of the Universe.

2. The nature (things and their motion) of celestial domains (two-domain

system) is fundamentally different from the terrestrial domains:
2.1. The nature of things are different: Celestial domain is made up
of ether as perfect substance.
2.2. The physics of motion in the Celestial domain is perfect being
circular and with constant speed.
Development of Astronomy in Europe
Tycho Brahe
• Tychonic system
• tried to provide an alternative model of the
Universe
• the debate between the choice of a
heliocentric (Sun-centered) model and a
geocentric (Earth-centered)
• made several important discoveries and
based on his good observational skills
Observations that did not Need Telescopes to Observe
(Tycho Brahe)
(a)Supernova explosion of 11 Nov 1572
— named “Nova Stella”
- now SN 1572

(b) Comet in 1577

(c) Better and more reliable data sets