Ancient astronomy described planetary motions with a kinematic approach. Kepler tried to integrate the dynamic explanation and the concept of force into this approach. His work functioned as strong proof for heliocentrism. The understanding of Kepler’s three laws, however, took time. Here, we focus on the origin of the first two laws. We offer our view on this topic and try to justify it by referring to Kepler’s works, Astronomia Nova and Epitome Astronomiae Copernicane, and to his letters. We also underline the new elements we introduce in the debate on Kepler’s dynamics by comparing our interpretation with those provided in the literature.
Kepler’s Laws with and without Dynamics
Flavia Marcacci
2025
Abstract
Ancient astronomy described planetary motions with a kinematic approach. Kepler tried to integrate the dynamic explanation and the concept of force into this approach. His work functioned as strong proof for heliocentrism. The understanding of Kepler’s three laws, however, took time. Here, we focus on the origin of the first two laws. We offer our view on this topic and try to justify it by referring to Kepler’s works, Astronomia Nova and Epitome Astronomiae Copernicane, and to his letters. We also underline the new elements we introduce in the debate on Kepler’s dynamics by comparing our interpretation with those provided in the literature.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
