This week we evaluate the Copernicus heliocentric model of the solar system and compare it to Ptolemy's geocentric model. We then look at the model's reception by Erasmus Reinhold, Gemma Frisius, Michael Maestlin and Tycho Brahe. We conclude with Brahe's observations of the supernova of 1572 and the Great Comet of 1577.
To see a simulation showing the equivalence of the various models, click on this link. The yellow dot is the Sun, the blue dot is the Earth and the red dot is Mars.
Link to NAAP Copernican Orbit Simulator
Link to NAAP Ptolemaic Model Simulator
Erasmus Reinhold
Gemma Frisius
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