Astronomy Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Preparation Guide

Question: 1 / 460

What is the heliocentric model?

The Earth is at the center of the solar system

The Sun is at the center of the solar system

The heliocentric model describes a solar system in which the Sun is positioned at the center, and the planets, including Earth, orbit around it. This model represents a significant shift from earlier geocentric models, which posited that the Earth was the center of the universe. The heliocentric theory, which was notably advanced by astronomers such as Nicolaus Copernicus, provided a more accurate framework for understanding the movements of celestial bodies. It helped explain phenomena such as retrograde motion observed with planets and the varying brightness of planets as they orbit at different distances from the Sun. This model laid the groundwork for modern astronomy and the understanding of gravitational dynamics in the solar system.

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The Moon revolves around the Earth

The planets revolve around the Moon

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