How did Modern Solar System Theories Develop?
Ptolemy proposed a model of the universe with Earth as the center in the 2nd century. This agrees with what the Bible says and would stand until the 16th century, when Galileo proved that the Sun was the center of the Solar System.
Ptolemy's Earth-centered universe
The Copernicus system, which was suggested by Nicolaus Copernicus, was developed in the 16th century. This proposal was against the Bible and would cause many problems for the people who proved that it was correct.
The Copernicus System
His theory was published in a book called On the Revolutions of Heavenly Bodies, which states that the earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun. The book was condemned in 1616 by the Church, although his ideas had already spread out to the public, which would lead the way for future astronomers to prove this theory.
Galileo followed Copernicus' work on the Copernicus Theory. He increased the magnification of the first telescope. Using that tool, he managed to observe the phases of Venus, and confirm that the Copernicus theory was correct. When the Church banned all books on the Copernicus theory in 1616, Galileo was tried and sentenced to indefinite house arrest and forced to believe the Church's views, although he always believed the Copernicus Theory was correct.
Uranus was discovered by Sir William Herschel in 1781. He managed to find one “star” unusual and observed that it had a planetary orbit 18 times farther from the Sun than Earth.
Since the orbit of Uranus was irregular, astronomers thought there must have been another planet past Uranus. In 1846, the planet was recognized by Johanne Galle after many tries by other astronomers to unsuccessfully identify the planet.
Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930 by comparing three photographic plates of Pluto. However, Pluto was removed from the Solar System and classified as a dwarf planet in 2006.
