Copernican heliocentrism is the name given to the astronomical model developed by Nicolaus Copernicus and published in 1543. This model positioned the Sun at the center of the Universe, motionless, with Earth and the other planets orbiting around it in circular paths, modified by epicycles, and at uniform speeds.
The major features of Copernican theory are: Heavenly motions are uniform, eternal, and circular or compounded of several circles (epicycles). The center of the universe is near the Sun. Around the Sun, in order, are Mercury, Venus, the Earth and Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and the fixed stars.
Allows calculation of planetary orbital periods around Sun. Allows geometric calculations of planetary distances from Sun. These show nice regularity: more distant planets have longer periods, move slower. Easier to calculate planetary positions than with Ptolemaic model.
Praying towns were developed by the Puritans of New England from 1646 to 1675 in an effort to convert the local Native American tribes to Christianity. The Natives who moved into these towns were known as Praying Indians. ... praying towns was that Natives would convert to Christianity and give up their old way of life.
