A major contribution of Johannes Kepler to the development of modern astronomy was:
A) the development of the first mathematical heliocentric model of the solar system.
B) proof that planetary orbits are ellipses.
C) the use of parallax to prove that Earth moves around the Sun.
D) observation of the satellites (moons) of Jupiter.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Johannes Kepler's most significant contribution was his discovery that planetary orbits are ellipses, challenging the prevailing belief in circles as the ideal shape for planetary orbits. This laid the groundwork for Newton's later work on the laws of gravity, which allowed astronomers to make more accurate predictions about the behavior of celestial bodies. While Kepler did develop a mathematical heliocentric model of the solar system, this was largely based on the work of Copernicus and others before him. Kepler also did not use parallax to prove Earth's motion, and his observations of Jupiter's moons were significant but not as groundbreaking as his work on planetary orbits.

A Major Contribution of Johannes Kepler to the Development of Modern