Title
Greek Astronomy (Dover Books on Astronomy),Used
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Astronomy as a science began with the Ionian philosophers, with whom Greek philosophy and mathematics also began. While the Egyptians and Babylonians had accomplished much of astronomical worth, it remained for the unrivalled speculative genius of the Greeks, in particular, their mathematical genius, to lay the foundations of the true science of astronomy. In this classic study, a noted scholar discusses in lucid detail the specific advances made by the Greeks, many of whose ideas anticipated the discoveries of modern astronomy.Pythagoras, born at Samos about 572 B.C., was probably the first to hold that the earth is spherical in shape, while his later followers anticipated Copernicus with the thenstartling hypothesis that the earth was not the center of the universe but a planet like the others. Heraclides of Pontus (c. 388315 B.C.), a pupil of Plato, declared that the apparent daily rotation of the heavenly bodies is due, not to a rotation of the heavenly sphere about an axis through the center of the earth, but to the rotation of the earth itself around its own axis. Secondly, Heraclides discovered that Venus and Mercury revolve around the sun like satellites. Perhaps the greatest astronomer of antiquity was Hipparchus, who flourished between 161 and 126 B.C. He compiled a catalog of fixed stars to the number 850 or more, made great improvements in the instruments used for astronomical observations, and discovered the precession of the equinoxes, among other accomplishments. The astronomy of Hipparchus takes its definitive form in the Syntaxis (commonly called the Almagest) of Ptolemy, written about A.D. 150, which held the field until the time of Copernicus.The extraordinary achievements of these and many more Greek theorists are given full coverage in this erudite account, which blends exceptional clarity with a readable style to produce a work that is not only indispensable for astronomers and historians of science but easily accessible to scienceminded lay readers.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Greek Astronomy'? A: 'Greek Astronomy' explores the foundational contributions of Greek philosophers and mathematicians to the field of astronomy, detailing their groundbreaking theories and discoveries.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The book is authored by Sir Thomas L. Heath, a noted scholar in the field of astronomy.
- Q: How many pages does 'Greek Astronomy' have? A: 'Greek Astronomy' contains a total of 256 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This edition of 'Greek Astronomy' is a paperback binding, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: When was 'Greek Astronomy' published? A: 'Greek Astronomy' was published on January 1, 1991.
- Q: Is 'Greek Astronomy' suitable for beginners in astronomy? A: Yes, the book is written in a clear and accessible style, making it suitable for both lay readers and those with a serious interest in astronomy.
- Q: What are some key topics covered in the book? A: Key topics include the theories of Pythagoras, Heraclides of Pontus, and Hipparchus, along with their significant contributions to the development of astronomical science.
- Q: Does the book include illustrations or diagrams? A: The book does not specifically mention illustrations or diagrams in the product details. However, it provides a detailed discussion of astronomical concepts.
- Q: Is there a specific edition of the book? A: The product details do not specify a particular edition beyond the initial publication date, so it is recommended to check for any updated editions.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: 'Greek Astronomy' is listed as 'New', indicating it is in pristine condition.