Author Question: The Sun and stars rise in the east, and set in the west. Contrast ancient and modern explanations ... (Read 73 times)

pragya sharda · **on:** Jul 27, 2018

The Sun and stars rise in the east, and set in the west. Contrast ancient and modern explanations for this observation.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Why are Saturn's rings so thin?

A) The gap moons shepherd the particles and maintain its thin profile.
B) Any particle in the ring with an orbital tilt would collide with other ring particles, flattening its orbit.
C) The current thinness is a short-lived phenomenon that is special to this time.
D) Saturn's gravity prevents particles from migrating upwards out of the rings.
E) Solar radiation pressure keeps particles pressed into the rings.

nital · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The ancients thought there was a vast celestial sphere, spinning over our heads once a day, and that the stars, Sun, Moon, and planets are all carried along for the ride. We now recognize it is the Earth itself that rotates eastward, creating this apparent westward motion of celestial bodies.

Answer to Question 2

B