What Are Planetary Transits?
Fraser Cain・6 minutes read
Ptolemy thought Earth was the Solar System center, but Copernicus showed Earth orbits the Sun. Kepler calculated relationships between planets, and Horrocks found Earth-Sun distance with Venus' motion. Astronomers use transits to study planets and stars.
Insights
- Ptolemy's geocentric model of the Solar System was replaced by Copernicus' heliocentric model, revolutionizing the understanding of planetary motion and positioning the Sun at the center instead of Earth.
- Horrocks and Crabtree's measurements during Venus' transit across the Sun significantly contributed to determining the Earth-Sun distance, showcasing the practical applications of astronomical observations in advancing scientific knowledge.
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Recent questions
How did ancient astronomers view the Solar System?
Ancient astronomers, like Ptolemy and his followers, believed that the Earth was the center of the Solar System. They thought that planets and stars orbited around the Earth on crystal spheres.
Who discovered that the Earth is not the center of the Solar System?
Copernicus, in 1543, discovered that the Earth is not the center of the Solar System. He realized that the Earth is just one planet among many that orbit the Sun.
What did Johannes Kepler calculate in 1627?
In 1627, Johannes Kepler calculated the geometry between Earth, Venus, and the Sun. He found that Venus' motion was predictable, contributing to the understanding of the Solar System.
How did Horrocks and Crabtree contribute to astronomy in 1639?
In 1639, Horrocks and Crabtree made crude measurements of Venus' motion across the Sun. They were able to determine the distance from Earth to the Sun with 2/3rd accuracy, advancing astronomical knowledge.
How do astronomers use transits to discover planets?
Astronomers use transits of Venus, Mercury, and the Moon to refine calculations and make discoveries. Kepler detected planets by observing brightness drops during transits, leading to the identification of planets orbiting other stars.
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Summary
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Revolution of Solar System Discovery Through Transits
- Ptolemy and his followers believed the Earth was the center of the Solar System, with planets and stars orbiting around it on crystal spheres.
- Copernicus, in 1543, discovered that the Earth is not the center of the Solar System, but one planet among many orbiting the Sun.
- Johannes Kepler, in 1627, found that Venus' motion was predictable and calculated the geometry between Earth, Venus, and the Sun.
- Horrocks and Crabtree, in 1639, made crude measurements of Venus' motion across the Sun, determining the distance from Earth to the Sun with 2/3rd accuracy.
- Astronomers use transits of Venus, Mercury, and the Moon to refine calculations and discover planets orbiting other stars, with Kepler detecting planets by observing brightness drops during transits.
