Heliocentrism

About

Heliocentrism is a scientific concept that places the Sun at the center of the Solar System, with the Earth and other planets orbiting around it. This theory was first proposed by Aristarchus of Samos in the 3rd century BCE but gained prominence with Nicolaus Copernicus' work in the 16th century. Copernicus' model, published in De revolutionibus orbium coelestium libri VI, provided a geometric explanation for the movement of celestial bodies, challenging the geocentric model that dominated for centuries. The heliocentric model revolutionized astronomy by explaining phenomena like retrograde motion and planetary size variations. Later, Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler contributed significant evidence and refinements, solidifying heliocentrism as a cornerstone of modern astronomy. While early models had inaccuracies, such as assuming circular orbits, they paved the way for further discoveries, transforming our understanding of the cosmos and the Solar System's structure.