The Scientific Method
1. Start with a set of observational facts we would like to explain.
Each day the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
2. Propose one or more hypotheses (or models) to explain them:
A. The sun circles the earth each day.
B. A new sun is created each day in the east and destroyed in the west
C. The earth rotates from west to east.
3. Devise predictions from your models.
Model A. Motion of the sun should be independent from other celestial bodies
Model B. The appearance of spots on the sun should differ from day to day.
People to the east of us should see the sun being created.
Model C. All astronomical bodies should rise in the east and set in the west.