Earth Science TimeLine

• Eratosthenes

255 BCE

Astronomical discovery- measured Earth’s circumference using two surface points to make the calculation. 255B.C. This is important because it helped us to measure distance in space.

• Claudius Ptolemy

127

Astronomical discovery- saw the Universe as a set of nested, transparent spheres, with Earth being right in the middle. 127-141. This is important because it showed us the placement of the solar system and the planets.

• Nicolaus Copernicus

Jan 1, 1532

Astronomical discovery- wrote the theory that the sun is located near the center of the Universe, and that the Earth revolves around the sun annually. 1532. This is considered important because it showed us that the earth travels around the sun once yearly.

• Tycho Brahe

Jan 1, 1572

Astronomical discovery- made accurate studies and observations of the planets and stars. 1572. This is considered important because it led us to learn more about the solar system.

• Johannes Kepler

Jan 1, 1609

Astronomical discovery- discovered that planets move in elliptical paths around the sun. 1609. This is important because it helped us understand how everything traveled in space and moved around the sun. All this happened in a one year time frame.

• Sir Isaac Newton

Jan 1, 1687

Astronomical discovery- said that objects in the Universe pulled on each other through gravity. 1687. This is important because it helped us learn about gravity and it’s impact.

• Albert Einstein

Nov 6, 1919

Astronomical discovery- Studied that space and time were intertwined in an infinite ‘blanket’. November 6, 1919. This is considered important because it showed us the movement of time in space.