Distances to the Sun and Moon - Famous Math Problems

Explore the ancient Greek methods for calculating distances to the sun and moon in this 40-minute lecture. Delve into the astronomical contributions of Thales, Pythagoras, Anaxagoras, Plato, Eudoxus, Eratosthenes, and Aristarchus. Learn how these early mathematicians determined the sizes of celestial bodies and their distances from Earth. Examine scale diagrams of our solar system and discover the reasoning behind lunar eclipses, planetary motions, and Earth's shadow. Gain insights into the historical development of mathematics through astronomy, from early observations to sophisticated measurements and calculations.