Ptolemy's model of the solar system explained the apparent changes in speed and direction of the planets by stating that the planets spun on epicycles. This concept involved planets moving in smaller circles (epicycles) as they orbited around the Earth in larger circles (deferents), which helped account for the observed retrograde motion and varying speeds of the planets.
Aristotle and Ptolemy Quick Check
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Question
How did Ptolemy's model of the solar system explain the apparent changes in speed and direction of the planets?(1 point)
Responses
The planets were attached to crystalline surfaces.
The planets were attached to crystalline surfaces.
The planets were fixed to nested spheres.
The planets were fixed to nested spheres.
The planets had a significant stellar parallax.
The planets had a significant stellar parallax.
The planets spun on epicycles.
1 answer
1 answer