Which of these statements correctly states the significance of Galileo's observation that Venus shows phases?
A) The phases showed that, like the Moon, Venus is always much closer to Earth than the Sun is.
B) The phases were correlated with angular size in a way that supported the heliocentric theory.
C) The phases were interesting but did not have any other particular significance.
D) Because the phases were not correlated with angular size, they actually supported the geocentric theory more than the heliocentric theory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Galileo's observation of Venus showing phases similar to those of the Moon was significant because it supported the heliocentric theory. This observation indicated that Venus orbits the Sun, not the Earth, and that its apparent size changes in a way that is consistent with it moving closer to and farther from Earth as it orbits the Sun. This was inconsistent with the geocentric models of the universe that were prevalent at the time, which could not adequately explain these observations.

Which of These Statements Correctly States the Significance of Galileo's