heliocentric theory
Sun-centered solar model
Heliocentric theory is the astronomical model placing the Sun at the center of the solar system, with Earth and other planets orbiting around it.
This replaced the older geocentric view that Earth was the center.
Associated with Copernicus and later Galileo, the theory was revolutionary and controversial, challenging both scientific orthodoxy and religious doctrine.
Now simply accepted fact rather than theory.
- CopernicusRenaissance astronomer, heliocentrism
- Scientific RevolutionEarly modern intellectual transformation
- Tycho BraheRenaissance astronomical observer
- GravityNamed natural attraction
- SecularizationReligion's waning public role
Galileo Galilei · Johannes Kepler · falling apple · planetary motion · Catholic Church · Nicolaus Copernicus · Inquisition · parallax · fixed stars · heavenly bodies · retrograde motion
- Astronomy HistoryCopernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Newton, Ptolemy
- Early Sciencescientific revolution, scientific method, experimental method, Boyle, Harvey
- Galileotelescope, heliocentrism, heresy trial, house arrest, astronomy
- astronomystars, moon, sun, planet, planets
- classical physicsNewton, Newton's laws, Newtonian physics, laws of motion, force
- Greek scienceAristotle, Archimedes, Euclid, Ptolemy, Hippocrates
heliocentric, theory, solstice, helium, heliosphere, heliograph, heliotrope, theoretical, theoretically