What did people believe about the solar system and how did galieo' ideas clash with this?

Answer 1

While not absolutely accepted by all prior to Galileo, it was believed that the known Solar System, consisting of the visible planets, the Earth, sun and moon, was a geocentric arrangement. The five planets out as far as Saturn were known and studied for centuries. It was believed that these, the sun, the moon - and all the stars - moved in perfect concentric circles centred around the Earth. This was in line with ancient belief and adopted religious doctrine that placed the Earth at the centre of creation. When Galileo turned his small telescope towards the sky - a novel idea since its practical uses were deemed to be for use at sea - he observed that Jupiter actually appeared to have four small satellites that did not follow accepted doctrine. These, he observed over time, actually revolved around Jupiter itself. This contradicted the accepted belief that Earth was the central focus of the Universe. Announcing his discoveries and proclaiming his belief in a Heliocentric - or Sun centred - Solar System brought him into direct conflict with the Church. Under the threat of torture he was forced to publicly refute his claims. This did not stop his continued private beliefs in his work and it served as support for the growing evidence in the following years that confirmed this view.