Johannes Kepler
Astronomer Extraordinaire
Background
Achievements
- First to explain the orbit of Mars.
- First to suggest that the sun rotates on its axis.
- First to explain planetary motion.
- First to fully address the cause of celestial motion.
- First to measure the distance from stars using stellar parallax.
- First to explain how a telescope works.
- First to create eyeglasses designed for nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Impact on Today
- Kepler's three laws of motion are still used by astronomers today.
- Without all of the evidence that Kepler found supporting the Copernican theory (heliocentric), we might still believe that the Earth is the center of the universe.
Interesting Facts
- Worked about a year for Tycho Brahe.
- Kepler's 2nd law of planetary motion was discovered before the first.
- Died in 1630, while on a trip to Bavaria.
Project Citation
Works Cited
Primary Sources
“Model of the Universe.” Johannes Kepler: From “Mysteries” to “Harmony.” Golden Museum, n.d. Web. 6 Mar. 2014. <http://www.goldenmuseum.com/0404Kepler_engl.html>.
Secondary Sources
Brandenburger, Barry Max. “Solar System Geometry, History of.” Mathematics. Ed. Barry Max Brandenberger. New York: Macmillan Reference, n.d. N. pag. Biography in Context. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. <http://ic.galegroup.com.proxy.mcpl.lib.mo.us/ic/bic1/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?failOverType=&query=&prodId=BIC1&windowstate=normal&contentModules=&mode=view&displayGroupName=Reference&limiter=&u=inde80299&currPage=&disableHighlighting=true&displayGroups=&sortBy=&source=&search_within_results=&p=BIC1&action=e&catId=&activityType=&scanId=&documentId=GALE%7CCV2642950204>.
January, Brendan. Science in the Renaissance. N.p.: Franklin Watts, 1999. Print.
“Johannes Kepler.” Biographical Encyclopedia of Scientists. Ed. Richard Olson and Roger Smith. Tarrytown: Marshall Cavendish Corpration, 1998. N. pag. Print.
Wilson, Martin. “Kepler’s List of Achievements.” Johannes Kepler Info. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. <http://www.johanneskepler.info/resources/kepler-information/keplers-achievements>.