Question

Which of the following statements correctly describes the models put forth by Ptolemy and Copernicus to explain the universe?
A. The sun was in the center of Ptolemy's model, but the Earth was in the center of Copernicus' model.
B. The model developed by Copernicus was simpler and had less inconsistencies than Ptolemy’s model.
C. Both of the models were easy to understand and thus were well received by the public almost instantly.
D. Through observations, both astronomers presented models where the earth remained stationary.

Answer 1

Option B is the more apt answer for above question.

According to Ptolemy’s model, the earth was at the centre of the universe. All other planets, sun, moon, stars and other celestial bodies went around it. His theory was that the earth at the centre, did not move at all.

Copernicus advocated that sun was at the centre of the universe with all other celestial objects going around it or orbiting in circular paths. His theory also put forth the suggestion that, the sun at the centre remained stationary and did not move at all.