The reason Copernicus's heliocentric theory soon came to be regarded as preferable to the geocentric theory of Ptolemy is that the heliocentric theory accounted for
A) the observed motions of the planets using complex constructions called epicycles and deferents, so it was considered more reliable than the geocentric theory.
B) the same observed motions of the planets as the geocentric theory but did so in a much simpler way.
C) retrograde motion, which the geocentric theory was unable to explain.
D) the same observed motions of the planets as the geocentric theory but did so much more accurately.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The heliocentric theory proposed by Copernicus was considered preferable because it explained the observed motions of the planets in a simpler way than the geocentric theory of Ptolemy, which relied on complex constructions like epicycles and deferents.

The Reason Copernicus's Heliocentric Theory Soon Came to Be Regarded