Johannes Kepler

Albrecht Classen (University of Arizona)

Ed. by Gerhard P. Knapp, University of Utah
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.4.1: German-language Writing and Culture: Germany, 500-present.
Vol. editors: Gerhard P. Knapp (University of Utah), Jennifer Marston William (Purdue University), Herbert Rowland (Purdue University), Jill E. Twark (East Carolina University)

Dates

Born 27 Dec 1571
Died 15 Nov 1630
Activity 1594-1630

Places

Born in Germany
Active in Germany; Austria; Czech Republic; Poland

Activities

Primary

Astronomer

Other

Mathematician

Resources

Kepler's Works

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Johannes Kepler’s contributions to early-modern mathematics and astronomy were of major import and deeply determined the future course of both areas of sciences. Drawing from new discoveries by contemporary astronomers, especially Copernicus and Brahe, Kepler established the first planetary laws and laid the foundation for the ultimate paradigm shift from a geocentric to a heliocentric worldview.

He was born in Weil der Stadt (Württemberg, Germany) on 27 December 1571 as the first child of Heinrich Kepler and his wife Katharina, née Guldenmann. In 1574 his father sought employment as mercenary in the Netherlands, followed by his wife the next year, who left Johannes in the care of his grandparents. The Keplers returned to Weil in 1576 and moved to Leonberg, near Stuttgart.

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907 words

Citation: Classen, Albrecht. "Johannes Kepler". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 26 May 2005 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=5922, accessed 23 November 2024.]

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