Most scientists in the early 1600s believed that the orbits of the planets were circular (B). This view was largely influenced by the ideas of ancient thinkers like Aristotle and Ptolemy, who proposed that planetary orbits were perfect circles. It wasn't until Johannes Kepler, in the early 1600s, that the concept of elliptical orbits for planets was introduced, based on his observations and mathematical formulations.
Which orbital shape did most scientists in the early 1600s think planets of our solar system have?
A. Hyperbolic
B. Circular
C. Elliptical
D. Parabolic
1 answer