Ptolemy's model for the solar system was
A) Earth-centered, with the Sun, the Moon, and the planets moving in ellipses in the sky.
B) Sun-centered, with elliptical planetary orbits.
C) Sun-centered, with the planets moving in circles around it.
D) Earth-centered, with planetary orbits composed of deferents and epicycles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ptolemy's model for the solar system was geocentric, meaning it placed Earth at the center. It explained planetary motion through a complex system of deferents (large circular orbits) and epicycles (smaller circles that moved along the deferent). This model was widely accepted until the Copernican heliocentric model was introduced.

Ptolemy's Model for the Solar System Was