
Difference between geocentric and heliocentric universe concepts.

Answer to Problem 1RQ
- The geocentric theory states that the Earth is at the centre of the universe and all the planets, the moon and stars are revolving around the Earth in a circular path.
- The heliocentric theory states that the sun is at the centre of the solar system and all the planets orbit around the sun. The moon revolves around the Earth. All the starts are static. The movement of the planets is elliptical in shape.
Explanation of Solution
Ptolemy assumed that all the planets revolved around the Earth in a circular path, including the moon. Also, each planet moves in a small circle which is called as an epicycle. The Earth is at the center of all the planets, the sun and the moon. All these bodies are surrounded by a ring of infinite stars which also revolve around the Earth.
Copernicus observed that all the planets have the same annual movement, except the sun. Thus, he hypothesized the sun standing at the centre. Also, this idea is strengthened by the characteristics of the sun (emission of heat and light). The stars are distant and are motionless. But, as the Earth rotates on its own axis, it appears that stars are moving. He proposed that the planets while making a number of circular movements, gradually created a non-circular path.
The geocentric theory and heliocentric theory explain the relative movement of stars and planets with respect to the Earth, the sun and the moon.
The geocentric theory states that the Earth being in the centre of universe, and the sun and the planets orbit around the Earth. The whole set that is the Earth along with the sun and the planets, exists within the revolving globe of the stars. This theory was proposed by Ptolemy.
The heliocentric theory states that the sun is at the centre of the solar system that the planets and stars are orbiting around. This was proposed by Nicholas Copernicus.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 1 Solutions
Essentials of Geology (Fifth Edition)
- For the past 3 million years the earth has experienced glacial-interglacial cycles at regular intervals that coincide with the Milankovitch Cycles. Please briefly describe the three Milankovitch Cycles and their timescales. What is the leading theory for why the timing of glacial-interglacial cycles is connected to these Milankovitch Cycles?arrow_forwardWhy do waterfalls move backwards over time? In your explanation, please use the term “nickpoint”?arrow_forwardThe picture below is of the Kaskawulsh Glacier in Yukon, Canada. What is the name of the type of feature that the red arrows are pointing to in the middle of the glacier and how are these features formed? In your answer please also define the term lateral moraine and how lateral moraines relate to the feature with the red arrows?arrow_forward
- it was stated that one major effect of rivers is to flatten out the continents. How do rivers flatten continents?arrow_forwardThe figure below shows the average change in glacier mass per unit area for various mountainous regions around the world. Why are the globe’s mountain glaciers shrinking? Does glacial melt increase or decrease the amount of water stored on the continents? What are the factors in the continental water budget equation that must change in order to restore equilibrium when glaciers melt ? What is the effect on global sea level?arrow_forwardWhat is continental precipitation recycling ?Using the concept of precipitation, please explain why changes in landcover in one place can feed back to impact the climate not only in the area where the landcover change occurred but also in other regions?arrow_forward
- In the western United States, does severe forest fire tend to increase or decrease streamflow? What are the two main reasons hypothesized to cause this effect?arrow_forwardForest-fire sizes in the western US have grown rapidly in recent decades. made the case that this was not due to increased human population and resultant human-caused ignitions. What was the main evidence for this?arrow_forwardDraw a cross section with a tree growing out of Earth’s surface (so I know which side is the surface). Add a dipping joint and label the hanging wall and footwall blocks. Draw a second cross section (again with a tree on the surface of the Earth) that shows how Earth’s surface would be offset along this joint if it turned into a normal fault. Label the hanging wall and footwall and use arrows to indicate the motion of the hanging wall relative to the footwall. Now draw a third cross section with all the same elements as in parts A and B, but for a trust/reverse fault. Imagine the same cross section either in three dimensions, or in a bird’s-eye view from top down. Draw what this area would look like after a right-lateral strike-slip fault. Label the strike of the fault and use arrows to show directions of movementarrow_forward
- Examine the strike and dip of the rock units on the Devil's Fence geologic map in Figure 6.21. Draw multiple large arrows on the map, pointing in the direction of dip on several rock units. Do the rock layers located near the center of the map in Section 14 dip toward the northwest or southeast? The same rocks in Section 14 are also found in Section 18. Do the rocks in Section 18 dip toward the east or west? What is the approximate angle of dip of the units in Section 18?arrow_forward1. Draw a dashed line representing the hinge line of the large geologic structure that occupies most of the map. Label the hinge line. 2. Are the rocks getting older or younger farther from the hinge line? 3. Is this geologic structure a plunging anticline or syncline? 4. Provide two lines of evidence that support your answer to Question 8.arrow_forwardOn the map in Figure 6.21, write the word oldest where the oldest sedimentary rock unit is exposed at the sur-face and the word youngest where the youngest sedimentary rocks occur.arrow_forward
- Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...Earth ScienceISBN:9780134746241Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. TasaPublisher:PEARSONExercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)Earth ScienceISBN:9780134041360Author:Greg CarbonePublisher:PEARSONEnvironmental ScienceEarth ScienceISBN:9781260153125Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham ProfessorPublisher:McGraw-Hill Education
- Earth Science (15th Edition)Earth ScienceISBN:9780134543536Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. TasaPublisher:PEARSONEnvironmental Science (MindTap Course List)Earth ScienceISBN:9781337569613Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott SpoolmanPublisher:Cengage LearningPhysical GeologyEarth ScienceISBN:9781259916823Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, LisaPublisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,





