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Scientific theories are based on observations and deductions, and the Ptolemaic theory of the solar system fitted the observations of the planets' positions quite well, so it was not wrong, it was OK until better measurement methods showed that it needed improving.

The Ptolemaic model of a planet's orbit, also used by Copernicus, had the planet moving round a small circle called an epicycle once, while the centre of the epicycle moved round a circular path, also once, in the opposite direction. This is not a bad model for an elliptical orbit with low eccentricity, which looks like a circle with an offset centre, which is what the Ptolemaic model describes.

But Kepler had Tycho's recent observations when he discovered the new laws of planetary motion in which the planets move in ellipses. Tycho's measurements were just accurate enough to allow Kepler to discover the difference.

So the old ideas had to wait until the science of measurements were good enough to point the way to elliptical orbits, and that took a long time.

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What year did Aristotle make his contribution to science?

Aristotle made his contributions to science around the 4th century BC. He focused on various fields, including biology, physics, and astronomy, which had a lasting influence on Western science.


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Aristotle did not develop the geocentric model; it was proposed by earlier Greek astronomers. Aristotle supported this model in his work "On the Heavens" around the 4th century BCE, arguing that Earth was at the center of the universe.


Who discovered elliptical orbits?

Johannes Kepler discovered that planets move in elliptical orbits around the Sun in the early 17th century. This was a significant breakthrough in the field of astronomy, leading to the development of Kepler's laws of planetary motion.


What invention made it possible to see into space then ever before?

The development of the telescope in the 17th century greatly improved our ability to observe distant celestial objects in space. This invention allowed astronomers to study the Moon, planets, stars, and galaxies with much greater clarity and detail than ever before, leading to many significant discoveries in the field of astronomy.


Who first proposed the geocentric Solar system Theory?

The geocentric Solar system theory was first proposed by ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle and further developed by astronomer Claudius Ptolemy. This theory placed Earth at the center of the universe with all celestial bodies, including the Sun, planets, and stars, orbiting around it.

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What year did Aristotle make his contribution to science?

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