Ptolemy's model of the solar system explained the apparent changes in speed and direction of the planets by proposing that the planets spun on epicycles. This means that each planet moved in small circles (epicycles) that were themselves moving along larger circular orbits (deferents) around the Earth. This system allowed Ptolemy to account for the observed retrograde motion of the planets and their varying speeds in the sky.
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 had a significant stellar parallax.
The planets had a significant stellar parallax.
The planets were attached to crystalline surfaces.
The planets were attached to crystalline surfaces.
The planets spun on epicycles.
The planets spun on epicycles.
The planets were fixed to nested spheres.
1 answer