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In Our Time

Ptolemy and Ancient Astronomy

Nov 17, 2011
Discover the life and works of Ptolemy, his Earth-centered model of the universe, and his influence on astronomy and astrology. Explore the importance of The Handy Tables in ancient astronomy and Ptolemy's emphasis on mathematical precision. Delve into Ptolemy's legacy, views on divinity, and his intricate instruments for astronomical observations. Learn about his planetary theories, astrology versus astronomy, and the eventual shift in astronomical understanding by Copernicus and Kepler.
41:57

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Ptolemy's geocentric model dominated astronomy for centuries, using epicycles to explain celestial movements.
  • Ptolemy combined Aristotle's views and Euclid's mathematics to create precise astronomical predictions and instruments.

Deep dives

Ptolemy's Contributions to Astronomy and Mathematics

Ptolemy, an influential astronomer and mathematician from Alexandria in the 2nd century AD, developed a comprehensive model of the universe with the Earth at its center. His work, including the 'Almagest' and 'Tetra Biblos,' showcased his dedication to mapping the solar system through mathematical precision. Ptolemy's model, based on uniform circular motion, was widely accepted for over 1,500 years. Despite criticism and discrepancies with observation, his system's complex geometrical constructs influenced astronomy for centuries.

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