Question

the image shows a diagram developed by a german astronomer in the 1600s. how did this diagram advance scientific thinking? the diagram showed that planets move in circular orbits around the sun, disproving the copernican model. the diagram showed that earth is closer to the sun than other planets, disproving the heliocentric theory. the diagram demonstrated the first law of planetary motion, proving the heliocentric theory. the diagram demonstrated the first law of planetary motion, proving the geocentric theory.

Explanation:

• The Copernican model had planets in circular orbits. Kepler (the German astronomer in the 1600s) showed that planets move in elliptical orbits (first law of planetary motion: the orbit of a planet around the Sun is an ellipse with the Sun at one of the foci). This supported the heliocentric theory (Sun - centered).
• The geocentric theory has Earth at the center. The diagram with Sun and planet (elliptical orbit around the Sun) does not support the geocentric theory. Also, the diagram is about the shape of the orbit (elliptical, not circular as in Copernican model's initial assumption) and not about Earth's distance compared to other planets.

Answer:

The diagram demonstrated the first law of planetary motion, proving the heliocentric theory.