Astronomers argued that the heliocentric model of the Solar System was simpler than the geocentric model, based on:
A) the observation that the planets do not move relative to the background stars
B) the fact that the Moon orbits the Earth
C) the fact that the Sun is more massive than the Earth
D) the observed retrograde motions of the planets
E) the observed timing of lunar and solar eclipses

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The heliocentric model explained the retrograde motion of planets more simply than the geocentric model, which required complex epicycles.

Astronomers Argued That the Heliocentric Model of the Solar System