The Ancient

Astronomers
 You must know these things:
• The astronomer’s name (spelling not required)

• Each astronomer’s country

• The relative age of each astronomer (which

came first, second, third, and last)

• One or two important facts for which each

astronomer is best remembered
(marked on slideshow with *)
 Aristotle
•384-322 B.C.
•Lived in Greece
 Facts about Aristotle
He wrote philosophy and science facts
that became the foundation for much of
what we believe.

He invented the terms MATTER and

METEOROLOGY, although they have
changed a little since he first used them

*He studied the sky, especially comets,

but thought they existed within the
Earth’s atmosphere.
 Ptolemy
•85-165
•Lived in Egypt
 Facts about Ptolemy
One of the most influential Egyptian
astronomers and geographers of his time

Promoted the geocentric theory, which

prevailed for 1400 years

*A top mathematician for his time; his

theory was based on mathematical
formulas.
Copernicus

•1473-1543
•Lived in Poland
 Facts about Copernicus
He studied astronomy as a mathematical course so
he could understand the calendar and so that he
would gain skills that would help him to become a
sea captain.

*Around 1514 he first began to talk of a

heliocentric theory, that the Earth revolves
around the Sun.

*His book was published at the time of his death,

and the publisher changed the title and wrote a
preface which prevented immediate condemnation.
 Galileo
•1564-1642
•Lived in Italy
 Facts about Galileo
Taught mathematics at a university to support his
family, so he studied astronomy as did Copernicus.
Called himself a “Copernican”
Developed the newly invented telescope into a
usable instrument for studying the stars, which
led him to proof of the heliocentric theory
*Stated publicly that Copernicus was correct and
Aristotle was wrong
*He was found guilty of heresy by the church, and
forced to take recant his beliefs.