Geocentric vs heliocentric model evidence

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the evidence supporting the heliocentric model of the solar system compared to the geocentric model. The original poster lists several phenomena and questions their relevance as evidence for Earth's revolution around the Sun.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various phenomena such as the phases of the moon, seasons, analemma of the sun, and eclipses as potential evidence for the heliocentric model. There is uncertainty about whether these can also be explained by the geocentric model. The concept of "observation" in relation to the Earth's movement is questioned, particularly regarding the role of space probes.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide insights into the implications of gravity and the observational aspects of the models. There is an ongoing exploration of how different models can account for the same observations, particularly regarding the analemma and the implications of using geocentric coordinates.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the adequacy of the listed evidence and the historical context of observations made under the geocentric model. The discussion reflects a mix of interpretations and the complexities of modeling celestial movements.

Puchinita5
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Homework Statement


I wasn't sure where the most appropriate place to post this question is. But anyway.

Which of these, if any, can be used as evidence that the Earth revolves around the sun.
1. The phases of the moon
2. The seasons
3. analemma of the sun
4. solar and lunar eclipses
5. the sun is more massive than the Earth
6. because we have observed it from space with probes

I know there is other evidence, but I'm trying to see if any of these also make sense and I should add them to the list. I think 1-4 can be explained using the geocentric model too. Laws of gravitation I guess would make 5 an okay answer. I'm not sure if we really have "observed" the Earth going around the Sun.

Thoughts?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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5 plus gravity is a very strong argument.
Puchinita5 said:
I'm not sure if we really have "observed" the Earth going around the Sun.
Every space probe far away from Earth has to take the current position of Earth into account to communicate with Earth. And that position is correct in one model only.
Puchinita5 said:
I'm not sure if we really have "observed" the Earth going around the Sun.
Of course we have.
 
okay cool, I guess I was taking the word "observe" too seriously... The first 4 can be explained somehow in a geocentric model right? I figure it must because these were all things observed back then and they seemed content with the geocentric model despite these observations. The analemma one is really confusing me, I just can't visualize in my head if you could get an analemma in a geocentric system?
 
Well, technically you can always choose geocentric coordinates. It just leads to really weird physics once you realize the (other) planets have elliptic orbits around the sun.
 

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