Question

The beginning of modern astronomy can be traced back to Nicolaus Copernicus and his book, On the Revolution of Heavenly Spheres. What theory did Copernicus promote in this book, which was in conflict with the teachings of the Catholic Church?

A.
The Earth’s wobble on its axis produced seasonal changes.
B.
Planets rotated on mini-orbits around the Earth.
C.
The Earth was not the center of the universe.
D.
The center of the universe is far beyond the stars.

Answer 1

C. The Earth was not the center of the universe.

Copernicus proposed a heliocentric model of the solar system, in which the Sun, not the Earth, was at the center of the universe. This theory challenged the prevailing geocentric model, which held that the Earth was at the center of the universe, and was supported by observations of the planets' movements that were difficult to explain under the geocentric model. Copernicus' theory was controversial, as it contradicted the biblical teachings and the Catholic Church's dogma at the time, and was not fully accepted until later.