Heliocentric and Geocentric
FCAT Standard 24
SC.8.E.5.8 Compare various historic models of the Solar System, including geocentric and heliocentric. Make a note of the current theory
What does this standard mean?
This standard means to look at different models of the Solar System, and compare these different models such as a model with the Earth in the center and with the Sun in the center. Note what the current theory is believed to be.
Vocabulary
Heliocentric-having or representing the sun in the center model of the solar system.
Geocentric-having or representing the earth in the center, of the solar system.
Important people
Tycho Brahe-A Danish nobleman, Tycho Brahe(1546-1601), made important contributions by devising the most precise instruments available before the invention of the telescope for observing the heavens
Nicolaus Copernicus-Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus identified the concept of a heliocentric solar system, in which the sun, rather than the earth, is the center of the solar system.
Geocentric
This is a geocentric model of the solar system. In this model, the Earth is in the center. This was the original theory about the solar system. The way you can remember this model is that "Geo" means Earth, so the Earth is in the center of the geocentric.
Both Models
Heliocentric
This is a heliocentric model of our solar system. In this model the sun is in the center instead of Earth. This theory was introduced by Copernicus in the 16th century.The way you can remember this model is that that Helium is one of the two gases that makes up the sun, so a heliocentric model has the sun in the center.
Brahe's Model
The moon and sun revolve around the earth, and the other planets revolve around the sun.
Copernicus' Model
The moon revolves around the Earth, while ALL planets revolve around the sun. This is the model scientist use to explain the pattern of planetary movement.