1. Jonathan Dickinson Astronomy Laboratory Sept. 9, 2002
Geocentric versus Heliocentric
Or why the average 13 year-old is not really the center of the universe, I am.
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Jonathan Dickinson
Astronomy Laboratory
Sept. 9, 2002

2. The Theories: Geocentric Ptolemaic Universe
Universe consists of concentric spheres with earth at the center.
Moon, Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn each have their own sphere. The stars are all one sphere.
All heavenly motion (read astronomical) is consists of perfect uniform circular motion.
The acceptance of this theory was influenced by Aristotle’s acceptance of it.
Later this theory was given the support of the Roman Catholic Church.

3. The Theories: Heliocentric Copernican Universe
Planets orbit around the Sun, which is the center of the universe.
The earth rotates.
The moon orbits around the earth.
The stars have a fixed location.
Galileo’s legendary comment, “But it does move.”