Indian Astronomy and the Solar System

Aryabhata proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system in the 5th century CE, centuries before Copernicus.

Indian astronomy traditionally recognizes nine planets: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu.

Aryabhata calculated the circumference of the Earth to be 24,835 miles, which is very close to the modern value of 24,901 miles.

Brahmagupta developed a method for calculating the position of planets and stars, known as the Brahmagupta-Bhaskara method.

Varahamihira wrote the treatise 'Surya Siddhanta', which became the basis for Indian astronomy.

Bhaskara II proposed the theory of planetary motion known as the 'Manduka' theory, which compared the motion of planets to the hopping of a frog.

Aryabhata developed a method for calculating the time of sunrise and sunset.

Varahamihira proposed the theory of 'Khagola', which explained the motion of celestial bodies.

Brahmagupta developed a method for calculating the position of the Moon.

Bhaskara II proposed the theory of 'Graha-Chakra', which explained the motion of planets.

Aryabhata developed a method for calculating the time of eclipses.

Varahamihira proposed the theory of 'Pancha-Siddhantika', which was a compilation of five astronomical treatises.

Brahmagupta developed a method for calculating the position of the Sun.

Bhaskara II proposed the theory of 'Goladhyaya', which explained the spherical shape of the Earth.

Aryabhata developed a method for calculating the distance between the Earth and the Moon.