Quiz 5

Why was Tycho initially not impressed with Kepler's book,

"Mysterium Cosmographicum"?
Select one:
a. Because: It presented a Sun-centred Universe rather than an Earthcentered Universe Correct (CORRECT).
b. Because the book rejected the long-held belief that the celestial
bodies are held in place by crystal orbs
c. Because it was written in German as opposed to Latin, the language
of most scholars
d. Because Kepler had employed Calculus in his calculations, which at
this point in time was seen as the "mathematics of witches"
Why did Tycho Brahe refer to alchemy (chemistry) as
"terrestrial astronomy"?
Select one:
a. Because he believed that all the chemical elements originated in
space
b. Because he believed that the laws of chemistry only applied on
Earth and not in space
c. Because he believed that chemical reactions reflect the interactions
between the planets and the stars (CORRECT)
d. Because chemistry involves reactions between the four terrestrial
elements (earth, water, air and fire)
What new method did Tycho introduce in order to improve the
accuracy of measurements of the coordinates of stars?
Select one:
a. To observe the stars from the highest possible altitude in order to
lessen the dimming effects of the atmosphere
b. To make multiple measurements with different instruments, then
take the average of the results (CORRECT)
c. To observe the stars in complete darkness, with no light pollution
from nearby candles, cooking stoves, etc.
d. To measure the coordinates of stars relative to the Moon, the
brightest object in the night sky
According to American astronomer Peter Usher, what might the
main characters of Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" be
representing?
Select one:
a. The Sun, Moon and Earth.
b. The visible planets in the solar system.
c. The Earth-centred view of the Universe, the Sun-centred view, and
the view of Tycho Brahe (CORRECT).

d. The 3 celestial events seen by Kepler in his childhood (i.e., the 1572
supernova, the 1577 comet, and the lunar eclipse of 1580)
In Kepler's book "New Astronomy", what do 900 pages contain?
Select one:
a. A full description of the magnetic experiments of William Gilbert.
b. The coordinates of the planets 900 years into the past.
c. His calculations of the orbit of Mars (correct)
d. The coordinates of the planets predicted 900 years in the future