Kepler and the Universe: How One Man Revolutionized Astronomy

Kepler and the Universe: How One Man Revolutionized Astronomy

A contemporary of Galileo and a forerunner of Isaac Newton, Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) was a pioneering German scientist and a pivotal figure in the history of astronomy. This colorful, well-researched biography brings the man and his scientific discoveries to life, showing how his contributions were every bit as important as those of Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton.Â

It was Kepler who first advocated the completely new concept of a physical force emanating from the sun that controls the motion of the planets--today we call this gravity and take it for granted. He also established that the orbits of the planets were elliptical in shape and not circular. And his three laws of planetary motion are still used by contemporary astronomers and space scientists.Â Â
The author focuses not just on these and other momentous breakthroughs but also on Kepler's arduous life, punctuated by frequent tragedy and hardships. His first wife died young, and eight of the twelve children he fathered succumbed to disease in infancy or childhood. He was frequently caught up in the religious persecutions of the day. His mother narrowly escaped death when she was accused of being a witch.

Intermingling historical and personal details of Kepler's life with lucid explanations of his scientific research, this book presents a sympathetic portrait of the man and underscores the critical importance of Kepler's discoveries in the history of astronomy.
Country USA
Brand Prometheus
Manufacturer Prometheus
Binding Hardcover
ReleaseDate 2015-11-10
UnitCount 1
EANs 9781633881068

Country	USA
Brand	Prometheus
Manufacturer	Prometheus
Binding	Hardcover
ReleaseDate	2015-11-10
UnitCount	1
EANs	9781633881068

Kepler and the Universe: How One Man Revolutionized Astronomy

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