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Ptolemy
He developed the "geocentric theory" which stated that the Earth was the center of the universe. He discussed about planets' dimensions and discovered about 300 new stars. Ptolemy was incorrect with his theory, but his findings were very important due to the fact that they contributed to early mathematics, geography and astronomy. -
Aug 18, 1500
Copernicus
He proposed that planets revolved around the sun, meaning the center of the universe was the sun, not Earth. This theory is known as "The Heliocentric Theory". He stated that planets traveled in perfect circles, which was not correct. He published his book "On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres" two months before his death. Copernicus' discoveries are important because they corrected some of Ptolemy's mistakes and helped future scientists to understand the motion of stars & other planets -
Brahe
He built an observatory, where he made astronomical observations like new stars, comets, a Supernova, irregularities in the moon, etc. He invented instruments such as the Tyconian Quadrant. Brahe's discoveries are very important because his work was used as the basis for the Laws of Planetary Movement, and his instruments led to the invention of improved observational equipment. -
Galileo
He designed the first pendulum clock, improved the telescope by allowing to see with a magnification of 8 or 9 times. He was the first to see the moon's craters, discover sunspots, track the phases of venus, and discover the 4 moons of Jupiter. He was put under house arrest because he had been warned not to keep teaching about the Copernican theory. Galileo's inventions and discoveries are very important because he helped launch a scientific revolution, and revolution in human thinking. -
Kepler
He discovered and demonstrated that the Earth orbits the sun. He published "The New Astronomy" where he put an end to Aristotelian cosmography of perfect bodies. His discovery is very important because he helped launch the scientific revolution and calculus. -
Newton
He formulated the Three Laws of Motion. His first law, also known as "Law of Inertia" states that "An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force". The second law can be described as F=ma, where F means force, m means mass and a means acceleration. The third law states that "for every action there's an opposite reaction." Newton's discoveries are important because they explain basically everything in our world, and form the basics for modern physics.
