Astronomy Timeline

By NaomiRae
  • 1054

    Chinese record supernova that produces Crab Nebula. Chinese astronomers observed a supernova that was visible in the daytime. The matter blasted outward by th supernova later became observable as the Crab Nebula.

    Chinese record supernova that produces Crab Nebula. Chinese astronomers observed a supernova that was visible in the daytime. The matter blasted outward by th supernova later became observable as the Crab Nebula.
  • 1300

    Dante describes medieval picture of universe in "Divine Comedy". Dante's picture of the universe has the Earth at its center, surrounded by the spheres of the Moon, Sun, planets, the fixed stars, a crystalline sphere and, finally, paradise.

    Dante describes medieval picture of universe in "Divine Comedy". Dante's picture of the universe has the Earth at its center, surrounded by the spheres of the Moon, Sun, planets, the fixed stars, a crystalline sphere and, finally, paradise.
  • 1504

    Columbus uses lunar eclipse prediction to influence Arawaks. From his almanac, Columbus knew that a lunar eclipse would occur on February 29. He impressed the Arawaks with his accurate prediction that the Moon would rise "inflamed with wrath".

    Columbus uses lunar eclipse prediction to influence Arawaks. From his almanac, Columbus knew that a lunar eclipse would occur on February 29. He impressed the Arawaks with his accurate prediction that the Moon would rise "inflamed with wrath".
  • 1543

    Copernicus publishes "De Revolutionibus". De Revolutionibus, Copernicus's description of his heliocentric model of the solar system, was published two months before his death.

    Copernicus publishes "De Revolutionibus". De Revolutionibus, Copernicus's description of his heliocentric model of the solar system, was published two months before his death.
  • 1580

    Tycho carries out best pre-telescopic observations ever. Tycho's observations, made using specially built instruments, were the most accurate ever made with the naked eye. Tycho also invented his own geocentric model of the solar system.

    Tycho carries out best pre-telescopic observations ever. Tycho's observations, made using specially built instruments, were the most accurate ever made with the naked eye. Tycho also invented his own geocentric model of the solar system.

  • Galileo begins experiments with falling and rolling bodies. Galileo's experiments led him to conclude that once something is set in motion it will remain in motion unless something stops it.

    Galileo begins experiments with falling and rolling bodies. Galileo's experiments led him to conclude that once something is set in motion it will remain in motion unless something stops it.

  • Giordano Bruno burned at stake. Bruno was tried before the Inquisition and burned for heresy. Among his heresies was the idea that there were Earth-like, inhabited planets orbiting the infinitely many stars.

    Giordano Bruno burned at stake. Bruno was tried before the Inquisition and burned for heresy. Among his heresies was the idea that there were Earth-like, inhabited planets orbiting the infinitely many stars.

  • Kepler discovers laws of planetary motion. Working with Tycho's observations, Kepler discovers the shapes of planetary orbits, how the speed of a planet varies as it orbits the Sun.

    Kepler discovers laws of planetary motion. Working with Tycho's observations, Kepler discovers the shapes of planetary orbits, how the speed of a planet varies as it orbits the Sun.

  • Gaspar de Coriolis discovers Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect, the apparent deflection of moving bodies due to Earth's rotation, explained many atmospheric circulation patterns.

    Gaspar de Coriolis discovers Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect, the apparent deflection of moving bodies due to Earth's rotation, explained many atmospheric circulation patterns.

  • Joseph Stefan finds the rate at which a blackbody emits energy. Stefan found that the energy emitted by a blackbody increases as the fourth power of temperature

    Joseph Stefan finds the rate at which a blackbody emits energy. Stefan found that the energy emitted by a blackbody increases as the fourth power of temperature

  • Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. Einstein explained that matter curves space, causing bodies to move in ways we attribute to gravity.

    Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. Einstein explained that matter curves space, causing bodies to move in ways we attribute to gravity.

  • Clyde Tombaugh discovers Pluto. Tombaugh discovered Pluto by comparing photographic plates taken of the same region of the sky about a week apart. Pluto's image moved among the stars.

    Clyde Tombaugh discovers Pluto. Tombaugh discovered Pluto by comparing photographic plates taken of the same region of the sky about a week apart. Pluto's image moved among the stars.