What concept proposes that the Earth and other planets orbit the Sun?

Prepare for the DIVE Earth Science Quarterly Exam 1. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The concept that proposes that the Earth and other planets orbit the Sun is known as heliocentrism. This model revolutionized our understanding of the solar system by positioning the Sun at the center, with Earth and other planets revolving around it. This idea was primarily developed by scientists such as Nicolaus Copernicus in the 16th century and was later supported by the observations of astronomers like Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler.

Heliocentrism introduced a more accurate model of our solar system as it explained the apparent retrograde motion of planets and allowed for a better understanding of the mechanics of planetary movements. Furthermore, it laid the foundational framework for modern astronomy and significantly altered scientific thought regarding the structure of our solar system and the universe.

In contrast, geocentrism is the outdated belief that the Earth is at the center of the universe. Cosmology refers to the study of the universe's origin, evolution, and eventual fate but does not specifically address the arrangement of planets. Astrology, on the other hand, is a belief system that suggests that the positions of celestial bodies influence human affairs, but it does not provide a scientific framework for understanding planetary orbits.

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