Johannes Kepler
Definition
Johannes Kepler was a German mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer in the 17th century. He is best known for his laws of planetary motion, which laid the groundwork for Isaac Newton's theory of universal gravitation.
Analogy
Think of Johannes Kepler as a detective in a crime series. Just like how detectives use clues to solve mysteries, Kepler used observations about the planets' movements to figure out the laws governing their orbits. His discoveries were groundbreaking at that time and still form an essential part of our understanding of space today.
Related terms
Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion: These are three scientific laws describing the motion of planets around the Sun.
Heliocentric Theory: This is the astronomical model in which the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun at the center of our Solar System.
Astronomy: This is a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena.
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Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (3)
- Why did Johannes Kepler write his Astronomia Nova in Latin?
- What important law did Johannes Kepler formulate in his study of planetary motion?
- What did Johannes Kepler improve upon during the Scientific Revolution?
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