Why was the Earth-centered model of the universe discarded?

The Earth-centered model of the universe, known as the geocentric model, was discarded primarily due to the advances in astronomical observations and the development of the heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus. Observations by astronomers like Galileo and the work of Kepler, who formulated laws of planetary motion, provided compelling evidence that the planets, including Earth, revolve around the Sun. Additionally, the inability of the geocentric model to accurately explain the observed motions of celestial bodies, such as retrograde motion, further undermined its validity. As scientific understanding evolved, the heliocentric model became widely accepted, leading to a paradigm shift in our understanding of the cosmos.