On Plato's Problem, the Retrograde Motion of the Planets and the Geocentric and Heliocentric World Systems

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13102/sscf.v20i.11396

Keywords:

Astronomy, Planetary Motion, BNCC

Abstract

The description of planetary motion has represented a major challenge for astronomers of different generations, from ancient Greek philosophers to the pioneers of modern Cosmology. The basis of the observational problem was the perception of a retrograde motion of the planets in the sky, postulated by Plato in the 4th century BC and which was contextualized over time by two rival models: Ptolemy's geocentric theory and Copernicus' heliocentric theory, both free from divine or mystical interpretations, but based on rationality, observations and geometric and mathematical aspects. Although it represents an important chapter in the History of Astronomy, we highlight its absence in textbooks as part of the desirable historical-scientific training of Basic Education students. In view of this finding, we present a description of Plato's problem (retrograde motion of the planets) aligned with the formative axis 'Social, Cultural and Historical Contextualization' of the BNCC.

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Author Biographies

Miss, Colégio São Rafael

I have a degree in Mathematics from Universidade Norte do Paraná, and a master's degree in Astronomy Teaching from Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (UEFS). My research focuses on the areas of Interdisciplinary Astronomy Teaching, with an emphasis on Scientific-Technological Dissemination, and History of Astronomy. I have experience in developing and implementing interdisciplinary educational projects, aiming to promote scientific teaching and dissemination, especially in the context of Astronomy. My goal is to continue contributing to the advancement of Astronomy teaching and its dissemination, promoting quality scientific education that is accessible to all.

Paulo César da Rocha-Poppe, Departamento de Física / Observatório Astronômico Antares - UEFS

Licenciado em Física pela Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (1986-1990), Mestre (1992-1994) e Doutor (1994-1998) em Astronomia pela Universidade de São Paulo. Pós-doutorado no Laboratório Nacional de Astrofísica (2005-2006). Professor Titular da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana e Vice-Coordenador do Mestrado Profissional em Astronomia. Coordenador do projeto de extensão do Observatório Astronômico Antares/Museu Antares de Ciência e Tecnologia.

Madam, State University of Feira de Santana

Possui graduação em Física pela Universidade de São Paulo (1986), mestrado (1991) e doutorado (1998) em Astronomia pela Universidade de São Paulo. Atualmente é professora titular da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana. Tem experiência na área de Astronomia Fundamental - confecção de catálogos estelares e conexão entre sistemas de referência, especialmente entre sistema óptico e sistema rádio de referência. Realizou pós-doutoramento na área de Astrofísica Extragaláctica - galáxias aneladas peculiares, no Laboratório Nacional de Astrofísica/MCTI entre os anos 2005 e 2006. Atualmente dedica-se à pesquisa em Galáxias Aneladas Peculiares: espectroscopia e fotometria. É atualmente coordenadora do Mestrado Profissional em Astronomia da UEFS (MPAstro). Faz parte do Banco de Avaliadores do INEP/MEC desde 2007. Esteve na presidência da Comissão Própria de Avaliação da UEFS desde a implantação em 2008 até 2019. Coordenou a Pós-Graduação da UEFS-PPPG entre 2017 e 2019. Coordenou a Graduação da UEFS-PROGRAD entre 2019 e 2024. Atualmente é Assessora Acadêmica na Pró-Reitoria de Ensino de Graduação/UEFS e diretora do Observatório Astronômico Antares/UEFS. Research Id: H-5621-2016. ORCID: 0000-0001-7049-2053.

Sir, State University of Feira de Santana

He holds a degree in Physics from the State University of Rio de Janeiro (1990), a master's degree in Astrophysics from the National Institute for Space Research (1994) and a PhD in Astrophysics from the National Institute for Space Research (1998). He completed his post-doctorate at the National Institute for Space Research, where he participated in the construction of the CAMIV detector, intended for infrared astronomical observations. He is currently a Full Professor at the State University of Feira de Santana. He also works at the Antares Astronomical Observatory, where he coordinates the Itinerant Science Popularization Project. He has experience in Astronomy, with an emphasis on Stellar Astrophysics, working mainly on the following topics: time series statistics, photometry, stellar astrophysics, astronomical observation and instrumentation, binary systems and exoplanets, and Astronomy Teaching. He is part of the faculty of the Professional Master's Program in Astronomy Teaching at UEFS.

Nelson Vani Leister, University of São Paulo

He holds a bachelor's and a bachelor's degree in Physics from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (1970). He holds a PhD in Science in Astronomy from the University of São Paulo (1989). He is currently a professor at the University of São Paulo, a reviewer for the journal Solar Physics and a scientific advisor for MackPesquisa. He has experience in Astronomy, with an emphasis on Fundamental Astronomy, Stellar Astrophysics and Solar Physics. He works mainly on the following subjects: astrometry, astrophysics, Be stars and Sun: general.

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Sitientibus Série Ciências Físicas 20 Anos

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Published

2024-12-11

How to Cite

Guimarães Santos, M. A., da Rocha-Poppe, P. C., Fernandes Martin, V. A., Geraldête Pereira, M., & Vani Leister, N. (2024). On Plato’s Problem, the Retrograde Motion of the Planets and the Geocentric and Heliocentric World Systems. Sitientibus Physical Science Series, 20, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.13102/sscf.v20i.11396

Issue

Vol. 20 (2024): Sitientibus Journal Physical Science Series

Section

History and Philosophy of Physics

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Copyright (c) 2024 Paulo César da Rocha-Poppe, Maria Amanda Guimarães Santos, Vera Aparecida Fernandes Martin, Marildo Geraldête Pereira, Nelson Vani Leister

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