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Exploring the Geocentric and Heliocentric Models of Our Solar System

This exploration highlights the evolution of astronomical theories from the geocentric system, illustrated by Bartolomeu Velho in 1568, to the revolutionary heliocentric model proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus. It discusses the characteristics of the eight planets, emphasizing the sun’s dominant mass and gravitational influence. Learn about the closest planet, Mercury, the immense atmospheric conditions of Venus, and Earth's unique environment that supports life. Discover the outer gas giants, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and their distinct features, including their moons and rings.

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Exploring the Geocentric and Heliocentric Models of Our Solar System

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  1. The Solar System

  2. Geocentric (Earth-centered) System • An illustration of the geocentric system by Portuguese “astronomer” and cartographer (map maker) Bartolomeu Velho, 1568

  3. Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) • mathematician, astronomer, and physician • new idea- heliocentric solar system • regarded as the starting point of modern astronomy

  4. Modern Views of the Solar System • eight planets • sun contains >98 % of the solar system’s mass • the sun’s gravity holds solar bodies in place • formed from a nebula of gas, dust, and ice

  5. Mercury Fly by (1974) Mariner 10 Mercury’s South Pole

  6. Mercury • closest to the sun • extreme temperatures: -170o– 425o C • no atmosphere • iron core

  7. Venus • 2nd from the sun • similar mass & size to Earth • 1962 Mariner 2 mission • Soviet Union landed 1970 • intense greenhouse effect

  8. Earth • 3rd from the sun • abundant H2O • atmosphere causes most meteors to burn up before impact • Ozone (O3) protects from Ultraviolet Radiation

  9. Mars “the red planet” • 4th from the sun • polar ice caps H2O & CO2 • thin atmosphere of CO2 • two moons • multiple missions

  10. Olympus Mons- largest volcano in the solar system

  11. Exploration of Mars Viking Lander- 1975 Artist’s Rendition of the Exploration Rover. (Image courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech.)

  12. Mars Pathfinder Rover 1996

  13. Martian Moons

  14. The Outer Planets • gaseous • large • asteroid belt separates the inner/outer planets • Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune

  15. Jupiter • 5th planet • composed mostly of H and He. Some ammonia, CH4, and H2O • liquid layer, rocky core? • “Great Red Spot” • at least 63 moons • Europa – rock and ice

  16. Saturn 6th planet large, gaseous, similar to Jupiter outer atmosphere of H & He liquid layer below small rocky core? 47 moons and rings

  17. Uranus • 7th planet • discovered in 1781 • large, gaseous • 27 moons • rings • H, He, CH4

  18. Neptune • 8th planet • discovered in 1846 • atmosphere of H, He, and CH4

  19. Neptune’s Moon Triton • Triton is the largest moon of the planet Neptune, discovered in 1846 • It is the only large moon in the solar system with a retrograde orbit, opposite direction to its planet's rotation. • At 2700 km in diameter

  20. Bibliographic Websites • http://vfm.jpl.nasa.gov/othervenusmissions/flybymissionsmarinermessenger/ • http://www.astronomyviews.com/mercury.html • http://www.b14643.de/Interplanetary%20Probes/index.htm

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