The Copernicus of Antiquity (Aristarchus of Samos)

The book begins with an overview of Aristarchus''s historical context detailing the intellectual environment of ancient Greece and the prevailing astronomical beliefs of his time. Heath examines Aristarchus''s key contributions particularly his bold assertion that the Sun rather than the Earth is at the center of the universe a radical departure from the geocentric models favored by his contemporaries. This foundational idea laid the groundwork for the eventual acceptance of the heliocentric theory in the Renaissance. Heath also delves into Aristarchus''s mathematical methods and his influence on subsequent thinkers highlighting how his work was both innovative and impactful despite being largely forgotten for centuries. He includes discussions of Aristarchus''s estimates of the sizes and distances of the Sun and Moon showcasing the depth of his scientific inquiry and his attempts to reconcile observation with theory.