In contrast to the Jovian moons, what type of proof did the phases of Venus offer?
Answer
A geometric constraint
The phases of Venus offered a geometric constraint, proving mathematically what must happen regarding Earth's orbit around the Sun, whereas the moons offered a physical demonstration that other centers of motion existed.
Related Questions
When did Galileo first witness the moving lights near Jupiter that marked a profound turning point?What was the name of the centuries-old cosmological model asserting the Earth's central and immovable position?What did the observation of moons orbiting Jupiter irrefutably demonstrate?What was the title of Galileo's short Latin treatise published in the spring of 1610?Which moon of Jupiter is noted for having its own magnetic field?How did Galileo significantly improve upon previous telescopic instruments?What observation regarding Venus provided a geometric constraint supporting the Copernican view?Which Galilean moon is described as being the most volcanically active body in the Solar System?How did Copernicus's heliocentric proposal stand before Galileo's observations?Which Galilean moon is identified as the largest in the Solar System, surpassing Mercury in size?In contrast to the Jovian moons, what type of proof did the phases of Venus offer?What characteristic defines Callisto among the four large Jovian satellites?