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Science is always a work in progress and even theories change. For example, in the 1600s classical mechanics was the accepted explanation of the movement of objects both in space and on Earth.
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Even theories change (2 of 4)
Then classical mechanics was one-upped by Albert Einstein's theory of special relativity because it explained more phenomena.
Even theories change (3 of 4)
Then special relativity was superseded by another theory, general relativity.