AS101LA1

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Wilfrid Laurier University *

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101

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Astronomy

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Oct 30, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by ChiefThunderCrane8

Johannes Kepler’s ideas were widely recognized as being indispensable to shifting the general conception of astronomy and science. His contributions and laws on planetary motion in the Seventeenth century, in literature such as the Epitome Astronomiae Copernicanae and Harmonices Mundi , were key in supporting and building upon the heliocentric system. Kepler’s contributions to astronomy and understanding of the dynamics of our solar system have been substantial and have laid the foundation for many celestial mechanic discoveries and newer theories which followed. Kepler and his theories were crucial in the better understanding of our solar system dynamics and as a springboard to newer theories that more accurately approximate our planetary orbits. Through Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, he illustrated the planets in our solar system in relation to their proximity from the Sun, orbit in elliptical motions at different speeds. An ellipse, shaped as a flattened circle, moves faster closer to the object it is orbiting and slower the further its distance. This is the basis of Kepler’s First Law: The Law of Ellipses. Kepler explains the Sun’s center represents a focus point on the orbital path planets follow. Furthermore, the proximity between both points, the planet and Sun, are constantly changing through orbit. Kepler’s Second Law of planetary motion, the Law of Equal Areas in Equal Times, further expands upon this notion stating, “the distance between a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time segments.” This illustrates that a planets speed changes in relation to its range from the Sun. Further supporting the fact that planets do not move at a constant velocity, but varying speeds relative to its interval on its orbit. On the orbital path, the vertex of nearest approach of the planet to the sun is referred to as the perihelion point. While on the contrary, the point of furthest separation is referred to as the perihelion point. Therefore, Kepler argued a planet is moving at its fastest velocity at perihelion and slowest at its aphelion . Finally, Kepler’s Third Law on planetary motion, the Law of Harmony, implies a positive relation with the duration of a planet’s orbit with the Sun and the radius of its orbit. For example, with Earth we know the duration of a year, which relates to its full orbit around the Sun, is approximately 365 days. Mercury, being the innermost planet relative to the Sun in our solar system takes 88 days whilst Saturn requires about 10,759 days. The variable force in Kepler’s Third Law was vital into later leading to Isaac Newton’s discovery on gravitational forces in our universe and justifying his initial proposition. Kepler had a defensive stance of the heliocentric system, regarding the Sun as the center point of the universe, and all other planets, including Earth, which revolve around it. This at the time, opposed the generally accepted geocentric system, which places Earth at the center of the universe, whilst all other instruments revolve around it. In 1618, Kepler summarized his conclusions in the Epitome Astronomiae Copernicanae introducing his ideas of planetary motions. Comprised of seven books, released within a span of five years, Kepler introduced his observations of the nature of astronomy, hypothesized the physical structure of the universe, and a mathematical justification for his calculations. Released as a textbook which would easily explain the new heliocentric system to the public, the Epitome would serve as a basis for advancing many other discoveries to come in the astronomy and science field. The book shortly after his release, was places on the Index of Prohibited books due to its support for the heliocentric belief model. Keppler’s Epitome was one of many books, textbooks, and scripts banned by the Catholic Church for their support of heliocentrism.

https://science.nasa.gov/resource/orbits-and-keplers-laws/ https://www.jstor.org/stable/4025081?typeAccessWorkflow=login

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