Johannes+Kepler

​ Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) By Michael Pereira ** Arguably one of the most prominent and influential figures in science, Johannes Kepler was born in 1571 in Weil der Stadt, Germany. The astronomer and mathematician is perhaps most notorious for his discovery and publication of the laws of planetary motion which continue to be taught to students today.
 * 
 * Introduction **

His contributions to the field of astronomy would eventually prove instrumental in future scientific endeavors, including Isaac Newton’s unearthing of the theory of universal gravitation. [1]

 The eldest of four children, Kepler’s childhood was characterized by neglect and hardship. His father worked as a mercenary soldier while his mother, the daughter of an innkeeper, carried out all of the family’s domestic necessities. After his father abandoned the family when he was only five years old, Kepler was forced to begin working at his grandfather’s inn where he delighted visitors with his cleverness and witty exhibitions.
 * Childhood **

From a young age, Kepler always demonstrated an extraordinary intellectual capacity as well as a willingness to conquer mathematical models far beyond his years and education. After attending several local schools and seminaries throughout his childhood, Kepler eventually enrolled at the University of Tubingen where he studied Mathematics, Astronomy, Philosophy, Theology, Greek, and Hebrew.[2 ]

Kepler became fascinated with the idea of measurement, which eventually led to his obsession with producing records and reports that were so precise that their exactitude could not be surpassed. For example, he went so far as to even investigate the longevity of his mother’s pregnancy before his premature birth which he claims lasted only 224 days, 9 hours, and 53 seconds. By the time of his graduation, it was clear that Kepler was a proven mathematician capable of dominating even the hardest arithmetical models. [3 ]

 Kepler was an exceptionally devout Christian and sought to include religious acknowledgement in many of his publications. He believed that his work, although scientific, and perhaps controversial in the eyes of religious critics, was ultimately an enhancement of his responsibility as a Christian to both comprehend and explain God’s universe to the people. His intentions were not to draw distinction between religion and science, but rather to unify both disciplines and in some instances, use the arguments of one in order to supplement the other.[4 ]
 * Religious Inclinations **

Kepler believed that the universe was not only created in God’s image, but that its structure could also be explained through precise mathematical models. The German astronomer argued that since mathematics provided a secure way of deciphering truths about our planet, he believed a comparable method could be formulated that would reveal further facts about our universe, as well as God Himself. Despite the supposed validity of such arguments, Kepler frequently expressed his appreciation and gratitude towards God, claiming that it was His divine spirit that had bestowed upon him the insights and wisdom necessary to achieve some of his most prized and celebrated achievements.[5 ]

 Kepler graduated from the University of Tubingen in 1593 and immediately began working as a mathematician and astronomer as the Protestant School in Graz, Austria. Despite having entered the labor force, Kepler lived in continual poverty throughout his entire life. His financial situation was often eased with the publication of various astrological calendars and horoscopes. For instance, Kepler published an astrological calendar shortly after his graduation which predicted an eventual cold winter and a Turkish invasion. The German was hailed as somewhat of a mastermind when both forecasts proved true in the ensuing year. Such exploits not only allowed Kepler to develop a reputation amongst the public, but also allowed him to earn the necessary funds to survive.[6 ]
 * Early Career **

In spite of his successful forecasts, Kepler never accredited astrology with the same respect that admirers had come to award him. Instead, Kepler labeled astrology as “the foolish little daughter of astronomy.” The German argued that if astrological predictions were ever correct, “it ought to be credited to luck.” Regardless of what he claimed, advocates of his earlier forecasts coveted his work and were more than willing to pay in exchange for his services. As a result, he was known to return to this line of work on numerous occasions throughout his life during times of poor financial standing. [7 ]

 Johannes Kepler married Barbara Muller in April, 1957. Their marriage deteriorated quickly as their first two children died during infancy. Kepler suffered emotionally from the deaths of his children and he therefore consumed himself in his work in order to distract his thoughts from his earlier tragedies. His wife passed away in 1611 from typhus after nearly fourteen years of marriage. [8 ]
 * Marriage **

Kepler remarried a twenty-four-year-old orphan in 1913, named Susanna Reuttinger. Although Kepler’s wife gave birth to seven children, only two survived to adulthood. [9 ]



 Kepler’s lasting pursuit of astronomical investigation and analysis can be directly traced back to the time he lectured at the Protestant School, in Graz, Austria. Kepler was addressing the general topic of geometry when he suddenly took notice of an image he had almost mindlessly drawn on the board at the front of the class. The drawing depicted two carefully positioned circles which synched within them an equilateral triangle, an image which he believed could help Man understand the underlying truths of the universe. According to Kepler, he believed that the ratio of these shapes directly reflected the proportional ratios of the orbits of both Saturn and Jupiter. Kepler believed that the structure of the universe and the positioning of the Sun were somehow arranged in accordance with geometric figures.[10 ] Kepler’s early testing proved unsuccessful as he only experimented with two-dimensional shapes. Nonetheless, this sudden revelation inspired Kepler to adopt an eventual lifelong career in astronomy, as well as to publish his first notable work, the //Mystery of the Cosmos//. Kepler commented on his efforts claiming: // "And how intense was my pleasure from this discovery can never be expressed in words. I no longer regretted the time wasted. Day and night I was consumed be the computing, to see whether this idea would agree with the Copernican orbits, or if my joy would be carried away by the wind. Within a few days everything worked, and I watched as one body after another fit precisely into its place among the planets." // [11 ]
 * Notable Achievements **

The following link provides a more explicit account of Kepler’s sudden revelation, as well as further biographical information.

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The release of his work caught the attention of numerous individuals, including the wealthy and powerful nobleman, Tycho Brahe. Soon after, Kepler was invited by Brahe to resume his work at the Dane’s palace. Although Kepler was skeptical of joining Brahe, he accepted knowing that the Danish astronomer could provide him with the necessary resources and tools to pursue aspirations that had once seemed unattainable. Kepler’s early relationship with Brahe suffered greatly. The Dane possessed an abundance of observational data but refused to disclose much of it in the fear that his assistants would exploit his resources and profit from the information at his expense.[12 ]

In the midst of his strained relationship with Brahe, Kepler tackled the study of Mars in the hopes of uncovering the planet’s true orbital path. The German eventually discovered that Mars’ orbit could be described as an ellipse, a breakthrough that would eventually provide insights into some of Kepler’s future monumental findings.[13 ]



<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 13.8pt; line-height: 115%;">It was at this very time that Brahe also fell terminally ill and suddenly passed away. Brahe’s death not only provided Kepler with the opportunity needed to access his observational data, but also with the means and instruments that would eventually allow him to stamp his name amongst astronomy’s most elite and influential figures. Permission to access Brahe’s data allowed Kepler to produce the //Rudolphine Tables//, a compilation of the Dane’s recorded data combined with logarithmic calculations that could predict planetary positions. [14 ]

Kepler’s discoveries can be summarized in three basic rules, known as //Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion//. Kepler’s first law was published in 1605 and states that “the orbit of each planet around the Sun is an ellipse with the Sun at one focus. As a result, in can be concluded that a planet’s distance in relation to the Sun varies depending upon the position of its orbit. [15 ] Kepler affirmed that the Earth was closest to the Sun in January, and farthest from it in July.

Kepler’s second theory, the law of equal areas, was published in 1609 and explained that “as a planet moves around its orbit, it sweeps out equal areas in equal intervals of time.” [16 ] Kepler maintained that all planets travelled faster when positioned closest to the Sun, and slower when they were orbiting farther away from it.

Kepler eventually retracted from his rigorous studies of mathematical models and tables and began focusing his attention on one of his most celebrated works, //Harmonies of the World//. The work was published in 1619 and tied together the notion of harmony in congruence within the confines of geometrical forms and physical phenomena. This work represented a culmination of Kepler’s studies and interests as it incorporated discussions regarding science, poetry, philosophy, theology, mysticism, music, astrology, geometry, and astrology.[17 ]

This all-encompassing work also included within it Kepler’s third law, a breakthrough that would also go on to inspire Isaac Newton in his pursuit to uncover the truths of universal gravitation. According to Kepler, “more distant planets orbit the Sun at slower average speeds, obeying a precisely mathematical relationship.” [18 ]

The following two videos provide further biographical information of Johannes Kepler and explain more plainly the German astronomer’s //Laws of Planetary Motion//.

media type="youtube" key="IBvMhpx8Q0Q" height="243" width="292" align="left" media type="youtube" key="ShQXRBDBfaA" height="241" width="326" align="right"

This link can also be accessed in order to more clearly understand the principles which dictate Kepler’s laws of motion.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"> []

<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">By the time of his death, Kepler believed that he had truly uncovered God’s logic in designing the structure of the universe. Kepler wrote in //Harmonies of the World// <span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">:

//"I dare frankly to confess that I have stolen the golden vessels of the Egyptians to build a tabernacle for my God far from the bounds of Egypt. If you pardon me, I shall rejoice; if you reproach me, I shall endure. The die is cast, and I am writing the book, to be read either now or by posterity, it matters not. It can wait a century for a reader, as God himself has waited six thousand years for a witness."// //[19]//

The following link provides a more detailed description of the various components and sections of Kepler’s //Harmonies of the World//.

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<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Kepler died in November, 1630 at the age of fifty-eight. Kepler had returned to the city of Regensburg, Germany, where he hoped to collect funds that were owed to him. The german astronomer developed a fever and died shortly after. [20 ]
 * <span style="background-color: #c0c0c0; display: block; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">Death **


 * References **

[1] “Johannes Kepler.” //Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia//. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. July 24, 2010. Web July 23, 2010. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannes_Kepler>

[2] http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Biographies/Kepler.html

[3] []

[4] http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Biographies/Kepler.html

[5] http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Biographies/Kepler.html

[6] Hawking, Stephen. __On the Shoulders of Giants__. Phildelphia, United States of America; London, England: Running Press, 2002. Page 629.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[7] Hawking, Stephen. __On the Shoulders of Giants__. Phildelphia, United States of America; London, England: Running Press, 2002. Page 629

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[8] Hawking, Stephen. __On the Shoulders of Giants__. Phildelphia, United States of America; London, England: Running Press, 2002. Page 630

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[9] Hawking, Stephen. __On the Shoulders of Giants__. Phildelphia, United States of America; London, England: Running Press, 2002. Page 632

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[10] Hawking, Stephen. __On the Shoulders of Giants__. Phildelphia, United States of America; London, England: Running Press, 2002. Page 629.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[11] Hawking, Stephen. __On the Shoulders of Giants__. Phildelphia, United States of America; London, England: Running Press, 2002. Page 630.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[12] Hawking, Stephen. __On the Shoulders of Giants__. Phildelphia, United States of America; London, England: Running Press, 2002. Page 631.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[13] Hawking, Stephen. __On the Shoulders of Giants__. Phildelphia, United States of America; London, England: Running Press, 2002. Page 631.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[14] Hawking, Stephen. __On the Shoulders of Giants__. Phildelphia, United States of America; London, England: Running Press, 2002. Page 631.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[15] Bennet, Jeffrey, Megan Donahue, Nicholas Schneider, Mark Voit. "The Cosmic Perspective. " Ed. 6. //myPearsonBook//. Addison-Wesley, 2010. Web. 7, 23, 2010. Page 70. [].

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[16] Bennet, Jeffrey, Megan Donahue, Nicholas Schneider, Mark Voit. "The Cosmic Perspective. " Ed. 6. //myPearsonBook//. Addison-Wesley, 2010. Web. 7, 23, 2010. Page 70. [].

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[17] Hawking, Stephen. __On the Shoulders of Giants__. Phildelphia, United States of America; London, England: Running Press, 2002. Page 632.

[18] <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[xviii] Bennet, Jeffrey, Megan Donahue, Nicholas Schneider, Mark Voit. "The Cosmic Perspective. " Ed. 6. //myPearsonBook//. Addison-Wesley, 2010. Web. 7, 23, 2010. Page 70. [].

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[19] Hawking, Stephen. __On the Shoulders of Giants__. Phildelphia, United States of America; London, England: Running Press, 2002. Page 633.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[20] Hawking, Stephen. __On the Shoulders of Giants__. Phildelphia, United States of America; London, England: Running Press, 2002. Page 633.