A major contribution of Ptolemy to the development of astronomy was
A) origination of the idea of a geocentric (Earth-centered) cosmology, which was later developed by Aristarchus.
B) derivation of a model for the solar system in which the planets move around the Sun in circular orbits.
C) derivation of the model for the solar system in which the planets move around Earth in elliptical orbits, moving fastest when closest to Earth.
D) derivation of a model for the solar system in which the planets moved in epicycles and the epicycles orbited Earth.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ptolemy is known for his development of the geocentric model of the universe, where the Earth is at the center and all other celestial bodies, including the planets, move in complex paths called epicycles around the Earth. This model was detailed in his work, the Almagest, and was the prevailing astronomical paradigm for centuries until the heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus gained acceptance.

A Major Contribution of Ptolemy to the Development of Astronomy