Astronomy
Astronomy
1st Edition
ISBN: 9781938168284
Author: Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Publisher: OpenStax
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Chapter 30, Problem 1E

What is the Copernican principle? Make a list of scientific discoveries that confirm it.

Expert Solution & Answer
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To determine

The Copernican principle and list of scientific discoveries that confirm it.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Nicholas Copernicus was a Polish astronomer who took the idea of a Sun-centered model of Aristarchus and this led to the development of modern science. He first proposed this idea that Earth is a planet orbiting around the Sun in his book. Now it is known as Copernicus Revolution.

The Copernicus principle is the idea that states that the Sun and the Earth are not the only bodies in the universe, and he proved this theory wrong that Earth is the center of the universe. He also said there are other planets that also revolve around the Sun including Earth in their own orbits.

If Earth would have been the center of the universe and had a unique location, then it would be easy to imagine that life is present only in this unique location.

He found simple geometric relationships to calculate the orbital period of each planet around the Sun and its relative distance from the Sun in terms of Earth-Sun distance. The success of this model convinced him that the Sun-centered idea must be correct.

Several scientific discoveries confirm this such as:

  • Earth is a planet orbiting around the Sun and it is not the center of the solar system.
  • Sun is one among the billion stars in Milky Way galaxy, and there are other galaxies in the universe.
  • Other planets also orbit around the Sun.
  • Apparent retrograde motion of the planets is described by Earth’s motion.

Conclusion:

Thus, the Copernicus principle is the idea that says Sun and Earth are not the only bodies in the universe and Earth is not the center of the solar system.

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