History of Astronomy
At the bottom of the page, draw a time line that includes names and dates
(birth/death) of all the astronomers addressed in the questions.
1. Which Danish Astronomer made detailed maps of the positions and stars and planets for over 20 years?
2. Which Greek Philosopher believed that Earth was the center of the universe and that all the planets and the Sun
orbited the Earth?
3. Who believed that gravity is not a force, but an effect of the distortion of the fabric of space-time?
4. What is the name of the belief that states that Earth is the center of the universe and the Sun and planets orbit the
Earth?
5. Who formulated the three laws of planetary motion?
6. What Egyptian astronomer explained the motion of planets using an “epicycle” model?
7. What is the name of the belief that states that Earth and the planets orbit the Sun?
8. Who first determined the value of G, the universal gravitational constant?
9. Which astronomer wore a false nose because the end of his nose was cut off in a duel?
10. What was the name of Einstein’s theory about spacetime?
11. What astronomer died because he wouldn’t leave a banquet to relieve his bladder?
12. Who discovered moons of Jupiter and rings around Saturn with his telescope?
13. Which Polish clergyman first formulated and published evidence that the Earth and the planets orbited the Sun?
14. Who first stated that the gravitational force was universal, not just an Earthly phenomenon?
Dates
Names
15. What mathematician was hired by Tycho Brahe to assist him who went on to replace Tycho after his death?