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Question
evidence that the earth revolves around the sun?
Hello,
Perhaps the best evidence for Earth revolving around the Sun, is the changing *apparent* position of the Sun through the year (on the ecliptic) - which can be mapped. This changing position (apparent) of the Sun translates to the REAL position of the Earth changing in space - projected on to the celestial sphere.
On a more hands-on level, if you observe the rising and setting positions of the Sun through the year, you will see that they occur at different points along the horizon. Part of (that part which accounts for the extreme angular difference between the winter and summer solstices) is owing to the Earth's axial tilt (23.5 degrees) but the other part - the displacement about the horizon itself- is due to the Earth's motion in revolving around the Sun.
More info - including on the ecliptic, celestial sphere etc.
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/eclip.html
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Answers by Expert:
Philip Stahl
Expertise
I have forty years of experience in Astronomy, specifically solar and space physics. My specialties include the physics of solar flares, sunspots, including their effects on Earth and statistics as applied to astronomical investigations.
Experience
Astronomy: more than forty years experience starting with construction of my own simple telescopes. Worked at university observatory in college, doing astrographic measurements. M.Phil. degree in Physics/Solar Physics and more than ten years as researcher.
Organizations
American Astronomical Society (Solar Physics and Dynamical Astronomy divisions), American Mathematical Society, American Geophysical Union
Publications
Solar Physics (journal), The Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, The Proceedings of the Meudon Solar Flare Workshop (1986), The Proceedings of the Caribbean Physics Conference (1985). Books: 'Selected Analyses in Solar Flare Plasma Dynamics', 'Physics Notes for Advanced Level'.
Education/Credentials
B.A. Astronomy, M. Phil. Physics
Awards and Honors
American Astronomical Society Studentship Award (1984), Barbados Government Award for Solar Research
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