Greek Astronomy

The Greeks are often known for building the foundations upon the knowledge of all the planets. They were able to measure the size of the Earth and see the curve of the Earth. They found this when they realized a boat grows bigger the closer it gets with the top being visible first.

Greek Theories

Aristotle came up with the four fundamental elements that make up everything in the universe, fire, air, water, and earth. Aristotle also said that the heaviest element, earth, was in the middle of the universe, and the lightest elements, air and fire, were far away from the center. This theory was the basis for the geocentric model of the universe, but was later proven false.

Greek Legacy

The Greeks observed that stars never moved and planets did so that called them fixed stars and wandering stars. Aristotle had a legacy known for making a physical model of the heavens, he also had many mathematical models and data used for predicting the motion of planets. Most Greek observations and theories lasted for centuries and provided a standard for astronomy throughout most of Europe.