<P> The astronomical predictions of Ptolemy 's geocentric model were used to prepare astrological and astronomical charts for over 1500 years . The geocentric model held sway into the early modern age , but from the late 16th century onward , it was gradually superseded by the Heliocentric model of Copernicus , Galileo and Kepler . There was much resistance to the transition between these two theories . Christian theologians were reluctant to reject a theory that agreed with Bible passages ( e.g. `` Sun , stand you still upon Gibeon '' , Joshua 10 : 12 ) . Others felt a new , unknown theory could not subvert an accepted consensus for geocentrism . </P>
who is credited with developing the geocentric view
Ptolemy