How different models of the universe have been generated over time

By Sophai
  • 500 BCE

    Pythagoras suggested that the Earth is a sphere.

    Pythagoras suggested that the Earth is a sphere.
  • 300 BCE

    Aristarchus attempted to calculate the distance between the Earth and the Sun

    Aristarchus attempted to calculate the distance between the Earth and the Sun
    He guessed that the Sun is about 20 times further away than the Moon as well as 20 times larger.
  • 240 BCE

    Eratosthenes was the first person to measure the Earth's circumference and tilt.

    Eratosthenes was the first person to measure the Earth's circumference and tilt.
  • 230 BCE

    Aristarchus of Samos suggests that the Earth revolves around the Sun

    Aristarchus of Samos suggests that the Earth revolves around the Sun
  • 1572

    Tycho Brahe dissproved Aristotle’s theory of an unchanging universe when he disscovered a new star.

    Tycho Brahe dissproved Aristotle’s theory of an unchanging universe when he disscovered a new star.

  • The first telescopes are independently invented by Hans Lippershey, Zacharias Janssen and Jacob Metius.

    The first telescopes are independently invented by Hans Lippershey, Zacharias Janssen and Jacob Metius.
    Galileo Galilei was one of the first people to use the telescope as an astronomical instrument.

  • Johannes Kepler worked out the relative speeds and distances of the planets.

    Johannes Kepler worked out the relative speeds and distances of the planets.

  • Galileo's theory of relativity shows why we can't feel the Earth move.

    Galileo's theory of relativity shows why we can't feel the Earth move.

  • Saturn's moon Titan is discovered by Christiaan Huygens.

    Saturn's moon Titan is discovered by Christiaan Huygens.

  • James Bradley observes stellar aberration.

    James Bradley observes stellar aberration.

  • William Herschel creates one of the first maps of the Milky Way.

    William Herschel creates one of the first maps of the Milky Way.

  • William Herschel discovers Uranus.

    William Herschel discovers Uranus.

  • Johann Galle discovers Neptune.

    Johann Galle discovers Neptune.

  • Hubble became the first person to categorise galaxies according to their appearance.

    Hubble became the first person to categorise galaxies according to their appearance.

  • Fritz Zwicky predicts the existence of dark matter.

    Fritz Zwicky predicts the existence of dark matter.

  • The Hubble Space Telescope shows that most galaxies have supermassive black holes at their centre.

    The Hubble Space Telescope shows that most galaxies have supermassive black holes at their centre.