Question

How can you say that Aryabhata was the father of astronomy?

Answer 1

Instructions: The answer to this question can be approached in the following way:

1. Mention the early observations that were made regarding the heavenly bodies.
2. Explain the observations that were made by Aryabhata and connect them to the question.

Solution:

• People during the early times had a keen interest in the heavenly bodies, like the Sun, Moon, planets and stars, due to which they carefully observed them.
• After careful observations, many people realised that the sky kept changing.
• They also realised that there are three different types of heavenly bodies in the sky, with their own characteristics.
• Aryabhata, after observing the position of the Sun and the Moon, mentioned that the Earth rotates around the Sun, causing day and night and that the Sun did not go around the Earth.
• People did not believe him during that time, but the fact was later discovered to be true. Therefore, Aryabhata is considered the father of astronomy in India.