Johannes Kepler

Date of Birth: December 27, 1571

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: November 15, 1630

Biography

Johannes Kepler was a pivotal figure in the scientific revolution, best known for his laws of planetary motion which laid the groundwork for Newton’s theory of universal gravitation. Born on December 27, 1571, in Weil der Stadt, Germany, Kepler displayed an early aptitude for mathematics and astronomy. He studied at the University of Tübingen, where he was influenced by the Copernican system, which posited that the Earth and other planets revolved around the Sun. Kepler’s career began as a mathematics teacher in Graz, Austria, but he soon became an assistant to the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe. After Brahe’s death, Kepler inherited his detailed astronomical observations, which he used to formulate his laws of planetary motion. His works, including “Astronomia Nova,” “Harmonices Mundi,” and “Epitome Astronomiae Copernicanae,” were groundbreaking. Kepler’s laws provided one of the foundations for Isaac Newton’s theory of gravitation. Kepler also made significant contributions to optics and the development of the telescope. He continued his work despite personal and professional challenges, including religious conflicts and the Thirty Years’ War. Kepler died on November 15, 1630, in Regensburg, Germany, but his legacy endures in modern science.

5 Interesting Facts about Johannes Kepler

1. Johannes Kepler’s mother was accused of witchcraft, and he spent years defending her in court.

2. Kepler was the first to explain the principles of how a telescope works, which led to the development of the Keplerian Telescope.

3. He discovered the elliptical nature of planetary orbits, challenging the long-held belief in circular orbits.

4. Kepler’s “Harmonices Mundi” introduced the third law of planetary motion, which relates the periods of the planets to their distances from the Sun.

5. He calculated the most precise astronomical tables of his time, known as the Rudolphine Tables.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Johannes Kepler

1. “I much prefer the sharpest criticism of a single intelligent man to the thoughtless approval of the masses.”

2. “The diversity of the phenomena of nature is so great, and the treasures hidden in the heavens so rich, precisely in order that the human mind shall never be lacking in fresh nourishment.”

3. “Geometry is one and eternal shining in the mind of God. That share in it accorded to humans is one of the reasons that humanity is the image of God.”

4. “Truth is the daughter of time, and I feel no shame in being her midwife.”

5. “Nature uses as little as possible of anything.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Johannes Kepler did not achieve significant wealth during his lifetime. His work was primarily funded by patrons and his positions as a teacher and imperial mathematician. Adjusted for modern times, it is difficult to assign a specific net worth, but he did not accumulate personal wealth comparable to modern standards.

Children

Johannes Kepler had five children: 1. Susanna Kepler, born in 1602. 2. Friedrich Kepler, born in 1604, died young. 3. Ludwig Kepler, born in 1607. 4. Cordula Kepler, born in 1621. 5. Heinrich Kepler, born in 1623, died in infancy.