GREEK ASTRONOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Greek astronomy refers to the study and scientific observation of celestial objects and phenomena by ancient Greeks between the 6th century BCE and the 2nd century CE. It encompasses the theories, models, and methods developed by Greek astronomers during this period, which provided a foundation for future studies on astronomy.
Greek astronomy played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of the cosmos. Prominent Greek astronomers, including Thales, Pythagoras, Hipparchus, and Ptolemy, made significant contributions to the field. They formulated theories and devised mathematical models to explain the movements and positions of the sun, the moon, and the planets in relation to the Earth.
One of the fundamental concepts of Greek astronomy was the geocentric model, which proposed that the Earth was at the center of the universe, with celestial bodies orbiting around it. This geocentric model was refined by successive Greek astronomers, leading up to Ptolemy's Almagest, which provided a comprehensive mathematical description of celestial motions.
Greek astronomers also made important observations and measurements of various celestial phenomena, such as eclipses, planetary positions, and the length of the year. They constructed instruments like the astrolabe and the armillary sphere to aid in their observations and calculations.
Greek astronomy had a profound influence on subsequent cultures and civilizations, including the Islamic world and Medieval Europe. It formed the basis for future developments in astronomy, including the Copernican revolution in the 16th century, which challenged the geocentric model and paved the way for a heliocentric understanding of the cosmos.
Etymology of GREEK ASTRONOMY
The word "Greek" in "Greek astronomy" refers to the ancient Greek civilization that existed from around the 8th century BCE to the 6th century CE. The term "Greek" originates from the Latin word "Graecus", which comes from the Greek word "Graikos". The precise origin of the term "Graikos" is uncertain, but it is believed to derive from the name of a legendary ancestor of the Greeks.
The word "astronomy" has its roots in Ancient Greek as well. It comes from the Greek word "astronomia", which is a combination of "astron" (star) and "nomos" (law). "Astronomia" can be traced back to the works of Greek philosophers and astronomers, who developed a systematic approach to studying celestial bodies and their movements.
