Question 17

Ancient astronomers were 'baffled' because they could not reliably predict observable celestial phenomena.

The complexities of planetary movements made it challenging for ancient astronomers to accurately predict celestial events. Their inability to rely on predictions was a significant source of confusion and frustration.

A) Their observations disproved the poetic tales of early cosmologies

This option is incorrect because the passage does not indicate that ancient astronomers' observations directly contradicted early cosmologies. Rather, it suggests that the complexities of celestial motions prevented simple explanations, rather than disproving existing narratives.

B) They lacked the mathematical sophistication needed to calculate astronomical distances

While a lack of mathematical sophistication may have been a factor, the passage specifically highlights the intricate nature of celestial movements as the primary reason for their bafflement, rather than a deficiency in mathematics.

C) Their theories of planetary movements were more complicated than the movements themselves

This choice is inaccurate as it implies that their theories were overly complex compared to the actual movements, whereas the passage emphasizes that the movements were complicated, leading to the challenge in making accurate predictions.

D) They could not reliably predict observable celestial phenomena

This option correctly reflects the passage's assertion that the intricate and subtle nature of celestial motions made accurate predictions impossible, which is the essence of the ancient astronomers' confusion.

Conclusion

The correct answer, D, encapsulates the essence of the passage, as it identifies the primary source of bafflement for ancient astronomers: their inability to predict celestial events reliably due to the complexities of planetary movements. The other options fail to capture this core issue, focusing instead on tangential aspects that do not align with the passage's main argument.