NATS 1880 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Ptolemy, Diurnal Motion, Spherical Earth
2 Apr 2016
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Bc) > suggested idea of a spherical earth ( perfect shape) > aristotle supported this - citing the curved shape of the shadow on the moon during a lunar eclipse- greeks (and others) > convinced that earth was the centre of the universe, a special place for a special planet. > an old debate- answer to the question important to the both philosophically and religiously: 2 schools of thought emerged concerning et life- 1. Atomists - thought an ininite # of particles (atoms) of earth, air, ire and water (4 fundamental elements) made up the universe: the aristotelians - thought that the 4 elements resided on. Earth alone & the 5th element (the ether) made up the heavens: democritus (460-370 bc) lead the atomists view > clearly believed that many other planets both like and unlike earth existed in the universe.
