Question

2025 astronomy fall final exam (1st semester)
which of the following was not a reason aristotle gave to prove the earth is a sphere?
the shadow of the earth on the moon during a lunar eclipse is circular
falling objects fall toward the center of the earth
when viewed from space, earth looks like a sphere
stars seen in greece can’t be seen in egypt and vice versa

Explanation:

Aristotle lived in ancient times, and the ability to view Earth from space (which requires modern space exploration technology) did not exist during his era. The other options relate to observations or reasoning he could have used: lunar eclipse shadow (circular shadow implies a spherical object), falling objects toward Earth’s center (consistent with a spherical Earth’s gravity), and differing star visibility (due to Earth’s curvature, a spherical shape would cause this).

Answer:

C. When viewed from space, Earth looks like a sphere