Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
In Europe during the Middle Ages, it was widely believed that the Earth was the center of the universe, with the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars revolving around it. This concept was known as the geocentric model and was based on the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle's ideas.
However, during the Renaissance, a new model of the solar system emerged, known as the heliocentric model, which was first proposed by the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. This model placed the Sun at the center of the solar system, with the planets, including Earth, revolving around it.
The heliocentric model was a significant departure from the geocentric model and was initially met with resistance and skepticism from the scientific community and the Church, as it challenged long-held beliefs and traditions. However, the work of Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler provided evidence in support of the heliocentric model, and it gradually gained acceptance.
The acceptance of the heliocentric model was due to several factors. One of the key factors was the development of new technology, such as the telescope, which allowed astronomers to observe the planets and stars more closely and accurately. Additionally, the scientific method, which emphasizes empirical observation and testing of hypotheses, gained popularity during the Renaissance, and this approach helped to support the heliocentric model.
Overall, the idea of the heliocentric model was not entirely new, as it had been proposed by ancient Greek astronomers such as Aristarchus of Samos. However, the Renaissance marked a significant shift in scientific thinking, and the acceptance of the heliocentric model was a crucial step in the development of modern astronomy and science.