Early

Astronomical
Observation
Early Astronomical
Observation
It was once believed that the Earth is flat – that there is that
place called the “edge of the world” and when you reach it,
you will fall.

It is believed that the Greeks were the first to introduce the

idea that the Earth is spherical.
How the Greeks knew
that the Earth is
Spherical
at
 THALES (624-547 BC)

The first known Greek Philosopher,

scientist and mathematician

He pictured the Earth as a flat disk that

floated on an infinite ocean.
ANAXIMANDER
(610-546 BC)

An innovative and influential pre-Socratic philosopher,

geographer, and biologist from ancient Ionia, the intellectual
heart of Greece.

Was a student of Thales

Thought that Earth was shaped like a short cylinder,

with the life forms located on one of the circular faces.

He asserted that the Earth floats free in the center of the

universe
en
PYTHAGORAS (572-495 BC)
Philosopher, mathematician, and founder of the
Pythagorean brotherhood

A student of Anaximander

He believed that the Earth is round since it is the most

perfect shape. He reasoned that if the Moon was round, then
the Earth must be round as well.

He believed that Earth is at the center of the universe.

ANAXAGOR
AS