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Week 4 lecture & reading discussion_ Introduction to General Astronomy

Week 4 lecture & reading discussion_ Introduction to General Astronomy

Q Part 1: Explain the importance of accurate data & precise instruments are to astronomers, what kind of things could Tycho Brahe accomplish that others could not? And briefly discuss why Tycho's "new star" was shocking to others in his era. Part 2: Discuss why Kepler's proposal about elliptical orbits was so profound? Why was it critical that Tycho's work came before Kepler's? Bonus (+2 extra credit): Use your understanding of the laws of elliptical orbits to explain why some total solar eclipses last only 1 minute, while others may last as much as 7 minutes.

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When the scientific revolution began, it brought changes not only in the thoughts and perspectives of the people but also corrected the many incorrect concepts that people harboured. This led to the introduction of precise instruments that would aid systematic observation and Tycho became the pioneer of recording accurate motions in the sky and the need for accurate instruments was necessary for an understanding of actual cosmogony & retrograde motion. As when instruments are apt only them will they be able to understand the space and the celestial objects as accurately as possible and clear all the misconceptions that people had about the celestial sphere.