Ptolemy was important in the history of astronomy because he
A)developed a model of the solar system that made sufficiently accurate predictions of planetary positions to remain in use for many centuries.
B)developed the first scientific model of the universe.
C)was the first to create a model of the solar system that placed the Sun rather than the Earth at the center.
D)was the first to believe that all orbits are perfect circles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ptolemy's model of the solar system, known as the Ptolemaic system, made accurate predictions of planetary positions and was used for many centuries. This was important in the history of astronomy because it was the most widely accepted model of the universe for over a thousand years, and it established the idea of using mathematical models to understand the motions of the planets.

Ptolemy Was Important in the History of Astronomy Because He