Sun Centered Universe and Earth Centered Universe - Assignment Example

Theories Heliocentrism (Sun Centered) and Geocentrism (Earth Centered) are the two key mile stones in the growth of astronomy. Among them, Geocentrism is the oldest concept that was widely accepted during ancient times. Greek philosophers, notably Aristotle (B.C. 384-BC 322) and Ptolemy (AD 90-AD 168) were the major proponents of this theory. According to Geocentric model, earth is the center of the whole universe. Earth is at rest while all heavenly bodies including the sun, moon, and stars go around it.

Similar concepts existed in ancient china, Greece, Egypt and India closely associated with religious beliefs. According to the Holy Scriptures (the Genesis), God created the earth and later added sun, moon, stars and planets to beatify it. The earth centered model also projected heaven and hell as the outermost space (Wils S, Wils S R, 2001, p.31). Aristarchus (310 BC-230 BC) introduced Heliocentrism (Sun Centered model) but was unfortunately ignored for centuries.

However, the theory was later revived by Nicholaus Copernicus in 16th century AD. Heliocentric model challenged the Earth Centered theory stating Sun as the center of the universe. Although Copernicus could not gain appreciation for his findings, Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) and Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), the supporters of heliocentrism, contributed to the growth of the theory. Kepler introduced the law of motion and described how satellites revolving the sun and how the moon orbiting the earth (Kuhn K F & Koupelis, 2004, pp.41-42). Galileo invented telescope and made star observation rather easy.

However, Catholic Church which was the emerging political and religious power of the age opposed and persecuted Galileo for his theory. Works CitedKuhn K F, Koupelis. In Quest of the Universe. Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2004.Wils S, Wils S R. Astronomy: Looking at the Stars. Innovative Series 9. The Oliver Press Inc, 2001.