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  • Word comparison: heliocentric vs. geocentric

heliocentric vs. geocentric

heliocentric vs. geocentric: 's the difference?

Heliocentric (from helio- "sun") means having or representing the sun as the center. Geocentric (from geo- "earth") means having or representing the Earth as the center. The first astronomical maps were geocentric, assuming that all heavenly bodies revolve around the Earth. Later, a heliocentric model was adopted, (correctly) assuming that heavenly bodies in the solar system revolve around the sun.

heliocentric

adjective

Astronomy.
  1. measured or considered as being seen from the center of the sun.
  2. having or representing the sun as a center:

    the heliocentric concept of the universe.

geocentric

adjective

  1. having or representing the earth as a center:

    a geocentric theory of the universe.

  2. using the earth or earthly life as the only basis of evaluation.
  3. viewed or measured as from the center of the earth:

    the geocentric position of the moon.