Johannes Kepler: Planetary Motion

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Johannes Kepler: Planetary Motion

When one first thinks to astronomy, the first thing to come to mind might be the stars of the planets. It is always a fascinating thing to learn about the stars, but one should always start from somewhere when learning. One person’s research that is always going to be remembered is that of Johannes Kepler. He is not only the founder of contemporary astronomy but also an amazing mathematician. He was the first person to enlighten us on the theory of planetary motion. His three laws on planetary motion were a basis on Isaac Newton’s theory of universal gravitation. One of his books was the foundation of integral calculus and he advanced geometry. His research has been a huge influence on all kinds of things that we have today. He is such an important part of scientific history that NASA named a mission after him, which is a mission that involves telescopes in search for habitable planets outside of our solar system.

Kepler was born on 27 December 1571 in the First Imperial City of Weil der Stadt, Germany.. His father was Heinrich Kepler, a mercenary (Caspar 29). His mother, Katharina Guldenmann, was the daughter of an inn-keeper and was tried for witchcraft for he practices in healing and herbology (Connor 13). When he was at school, he was his happiest. School allowed him to nourish his mind in a way he did not get at home. He at first attended a German school, but later attended a Latin school that was formed to educate the new generation of clergy. After almost completing the primary schooling, his parents moved, causing him to have to work instead of learn. His first love for astrology probably was due to his mother, who took young Kepler to a viewing of a comet. Also at a ...

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...itable zone”. This never could have been achieved without the amazing finding of Johannes Kepler.

Works Cited

Borucki, W. J. "Kepler History." Kepler History. NASA, 22 May 2010. Web. 13 Mar. 2014.

Caspar, Max.Kepler. London: Abelard-Schuman, 1959. Print.

Connor, James A. Kepler's Witch: An Astronomer's Discovery of Cosmic Order amid Religious War, Political Intrigue, and the Heresy Trial of His Mother. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 2004. Print.

Di Liscia, Daniel. "Johannes Kepler." Stanford University. Stanford University, 02 May 2011. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.

Field, J. V. "Johannes Kepler.” Kepler Biography. Apr. 1999. Web. 14 Mar. 2014.

Watzke, Megan. "Chandra :: Photo Album :: Kepler's Supernova Remnant :: September 11, 2012." Chandra :: Photo Album :: Kepler's Supernova Remnant :: September 11, 2012. NASA, 11 Sept. 2012. Web. 14 Mar. 2014.

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