Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1984

Publication Title

American Journal Of Physics

Department

Science, Technology and Society

Abstract

We examine the roles of the equant and eccentric deferent circles on Ptolemy’s planetary theory. The necessity of these features of the model is demonstrated empirically by a study of the retrograde arcs of Mars. Finally, these results are used, together with available historical evidence, to suggest the line of investigation that probably led Ptolemy to his discovery of the equant.

Volume

52

Issue

12

pp.

1080-1089

ISSN

0002-9505

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