Early astronomers recognized a difference between "fixed stars," whose position on the celestial sphere does not change, and "wandering stars" (planets), which move noticeably relative to the fixed stars over days or weeks.
Izimfundindalo zomkhathi zasemandulo zakwazi ukubona umehluko phakathi kwezinkanyezi "ezimile," lezo ingqwanga yazo eyayingshintshi kwisibekedu somkhathi, kanye nalezo "eziyimuzulane" (imizulane/imihlaba), ezinyakaza ngendlela ecacile mawuziqhathanisa nalezo ezimile esikhathini esingangezinsuku noma amasonto.