Astronomy Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the heliocentric model?

1. Planets revolve around the Earth

2. Stars are fixed and do not move

3. All celestial bodies revolve around the Sun

4. The Sun revolves around the Earth

The correct answer is: All celestial bodies revolve around the Sun

The heliocentric model, proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus in the 16th century, fundamentally asserts that the Sun is at the center of the solar system and that all celestial bodies, including the Earth and other planets, revolve around it. This model marked a significant shift away from the previously dominant geocentric model, which inaccurately placed the Earth at the center. This model accurately describes the observed movements of planets and provides a coherent explanation for the retrograde motion of planets, the changing position of stars in the sky, and the sequences of solar and lunar eclipses. It is supported by observational evidence, such as the phases of Venus, which can only be explained by the heliocentric viewpoint. In contrast to the heliocentric model: - The notion of planets revolving around the Earth describes the geocentric model, which is not supported by the extensive astronomical observations. - The idea that stars are fixed and do not move simplifies a complex reality; stars do move, but not in the fixed, circular patterns of the planets. - Suggesting that the Sun revolves around the Earth is a direct reference to the geocentric perspective, which has been historically shown to be incorrect based on celestial observations. Thus, the statement