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Whose observations first revealed that Mercury has phases like the Moon?
AstronomyMercury
Quick Answer
Galileo Galilei observed the phases of Venus, not Mercury, but Giovanni Zupi first clearly reported Mercury’s phases in 1639. These phases supported the idea that Mercury orbits the Sun.
The Full Story
The phases of Mercury were observed in 1639 by Italian astronomer Giovanni Zupi, using telescopic observation. Like Venus, Mercury shows a full set of phases because it orbits the Sun inside Earth’s orbit. The finding was another important blow to the geocentric model. It also showed how telescopes could reveal the geometry of the Solar System.
Key Facts
1.Observed in 1639
2.Mercury shows phases
3.Supports heliocentric astronomy
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The tiny planet that proved it moves around the Sun."