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Why was Ptolemy's theory of the universe helpful even though it was incorrect? A) It accurately explained the existence of gravity.

B) It accurately predicted solar and lunar eclipses.
C) It accurately described the shape of the Earth.
D) It accurately explained the concept of time dilation.

User Charybr
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Final answer:

The correct answer to the question is B) It accurately predicted solar and lunar eclipses.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ptolemy's theory of the universe was significant, not because it accurately described the true structure of the cosmos, but because it provided a reliable mathematical model for predicting celestial events. Ptolemy's geocentric model, despite being incorrect, was able to predict the positions of the planets and phenomena like solar and lunar eclipses with considerable precision for over a thousand years before it was supplanted by the heliocentric model of Copernicus.

Ptolemy's system was elaborate, employing the concept of epicycles—circles moving along other circles—which allowed ancient astronomers to make sense of the complex movements observed in the heavens.

The mathematical framework developed by Ptolemy was invaluable for navigators and astronomers before the advent of more accurate models. While Ptolemy's model did not accurately explain gravity or time dilation, and it incorrectly described Earth as the center of the universe, its predictive power was undeniably useful for the time.

User Brijesh Singh
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