If everything is relative to each other in this universe

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    Relative Universe
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the choice of reference points in astronomical studies, specifically why the Sun is often used as a reference instead of the Earth. It explores historical perspectives, mathematical considerations, and observational experiences related to celestial movements.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why the Sun is the reference point for studying the solar system instead of the Earth, suggesting that it may be due to mathematical convenience.
  • Others reference historical figures like Copernicus, noting that the heliocentric model simplifies calculations compared to an Earth-centric model.
  • Some participants highlight everyday observations, such as sunrise and sunset, as evidence of the Sun's motion relative to Earth.
  • There is a suggestion that if one were on the Sun, they could observe 'Earthrise' and 'Earthset', prompting a discussion about the validity of such observations.
  • One participant challenges the notion of Earth-centric systems, asserting that they are not advocating for it despite the observations made.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriateness of using the Sun as a reference point versus the Earth, with no consensus reached on the merits of either perspective.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the ease of mathematical modeling in heliocentric versus geocentric systems, as well as the implications of observational experiences on the choice of reference points.

!Jon Snow!
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why do we keep the sun to be the reference point and study the solar system and universe relative to it and why not relative to the Earth?
 
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Because the math is harder that way.
 
!Jon Snow! said:
why do we keep the sun to be the reference point and study the solar system and universe relative to it and why not relative to the Earth?

Google "epicycles"
 
!Jon Snow! said:
why do we keep the sun to be the reference point and study the solar system and universe relative to it and why not relative to the Earth?

Copernicus asked the opposite question and, as Dalespam alluded to, the math was much easier. 500 years later it's still easier. So why go back?
 
In daily life, we observe sunrise and sunset, which are the motion of the Sun relative to us.
 
vlemon265 said:
In daily life, we observe sunrise and sunset, which are the motion of the Sun relative to us.

Yes. And your point is? You seem to be making an argument for Earth centric systems.
 
phinds said:
Yes. And your point is? You seem to be making an argument for Earth centric systems.
No. I am not.
But on the Sun, if possible, we could also observe 'Earthrise' and 'Earthset' relative to the Sun.
Is that correct?
 
vlemon265 said:
No. I am not.
But on the Sun, if possible, we could also observe 'Earthrise' and 'Earthset' relative to the Sun.
Is that correct?

Yes.
 

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