Had it been observed in the 16th century,which of the following astronomical sources might have challenged Aristotelian physics for the same reasons that Tycho's supernova did?
A) interstellar dust
B) comets
C) a bright source appearing in the sky for only a single night
D) atmospheric seeing

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A bright source appearing in the sky for only a single night, like a nova or a supernova, would challenge Aristotelian physics because it contradicted the Aristotelian notion of a static and unchanging universe. Prior to the discovery of variable stars and the understanding of the concept of a changing universe, Aristotle's physics dictated that the universe must be fixed and unchanging. Therefore, a sudden appearance of a bright object that was previously unseen would challenge this belief. None of the other choices would directly challenge Aristotelian physics in the same way.

Had It Been Observed in the 16th Century,which of the Following