The Solar System and orbits

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Question 1
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Historically, the geocentric Ptolemaic model and the heliocentric Copernican model proposed entirely different geometries for the orbits of the planets. Figure 1 shows the predicted configurations and corresponding phase cycles of Venus under both models.

Comparison of Venus's orbit and phases in the Geocentric and Heliocentric models. Figure 1: Orbit configurations and predicted phases of Venus.

Using Figure 1, discuss how observational evidence and technological developments (specifically relating to Venus and the moons of Jupiter) led to the transition from the geocentric model to the heliocentric model of the Solar System.

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The Solar System and orbits Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /The Solar System and orbits