2007-03-24 08:04:47 · 3 answers · asked by Orange? 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The predicted orbits of the planets did not match the reality according to the theory that Earth was the center of the solar system. The only way to have the orbits make sense was to have the planets orbit the sun. Then the regular elliptical orbits matched the observed motion of the planets. That might just be a longer way of saying, "he just did the math".
2007-03-24 08:14:52 · answer #1 · answered by poolshark_63 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prior to that it was believed that the Earth was at the center of the Universe and everything orbited around us. With the use of a small refracting telescope Galileo was able to observe Jupiter's moons orbit the planet. This disproved the theory that EVERYTHING revolved around us.
Although Galileo was correct his observations went against the current "accepted" theory, and also went against the beliefs of the church. This led to Galileo being subject to house arrest. He was also made to promise not to discuss this new theory.
2007-03-24 10:35:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
believe it or not, he just did the math.
2007-03-24 08:09:51 · answer #3 · answered by insane 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋