Question #dec01
1 Answer
Galileo was able to make observations and measurements using his early telescope to define orbits of moons around Jupiter and the phases of Venus.
Explanation:
Galileo recorded in 1610 that he had observed three of the four moons (he called them stars) of Jupiter in a line in front of the planet. After continued observations, he realized the "stars" were moving relative to Jupiter. After a few days Galileo concluded their movement represented orbits around the planet.
This contradicted the current knowledge of the time that stated the earth was stationary and the sun and planets revolved around it. This knowledge was construed from interpretations of quotes from the Bible.
The discovery set off a huge argument between Galileo and his followers against followers of the earth-centered geocentric principle. They could not believe there was a planet with smaller bodies orbiting it.
As further proof, Galileo was able to observe through his telescope that Venus had four full phases just like those observed of the moon. These observations contradicted the geocentric beliefs again, and most of the astronomers of the time converted to one of the forms of the heliocentric model.
