Geocentric theory

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Rendition of a geocentric system from the Middle Ages.

The geocentric theory is a system for describing the universe with Earth-centered coordinates. It was extremely popular from ancient times until the 1600s, as it was particularly effective at cosmological predictions.

The work of Galileo and Kepler began to change this (see Copernican Revolution). The idea that planets move around the sun, in nearly circular ellipses, gradually took hold. The difficulty of calculating the orbits was one factor which militated against quick acceptance of Kepler's laws of motion.

By the 1800s, the spectacular successes of Newtonian theory convinced everyone that the Sun is a preferred frame of reference, and that the laws of physics must be applied in that frame. The geocentric theory was considered to be profoundly mistaken, and the heliocentric theory correct.

A small number of people still accept the Geocentric theory.[1] They interpret scipture verses such as 1 Chronicles 16:30

He has fixed the earth firm, immovable.
as saying that the geocentric theory is correct.

References

  1. fixedearth.com