Historical Astronomers in Context

Isaac Newton (January 4, 1643 – March 31, 1727): Isaac Newton was a pivotal figure in astronomy and physics due to his concepts of the laws of motion and universal gravitation. Newton’s laws of universal gravitation, which were formed from his three laws of motion, state that every particle attracts every other particle with a force that is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers. Newton’s work, known as the “Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica ” is known as one of the most important works in science and combines the concepts of planetary motion and gravitational theory. Newton also built the first practical reflecting telescope, which today is known as the Newtonian telescope and is still a very popular design.

Painting of Isaac Newton

Events during Newton’s lifetime:

1. The English Civil War (August 22, 1642 – September 3, 1651): The English Civil War took place between supporters of Charles I and opposing groups of Charles’s kingdoms in the British Isles over Englannd’s governance and issues of religious freedoms. The war ended with the execution of Charles I, leading to the coronation of Oliver Cromwell.
2. The Great Plague of London (1665 – 1666): The Great Plague of London was the last major outbreak of the bubonic plague to occur in England and killed an estimated 100,0000 people, almost a quarter of London’s population. 

People alive during Newton’s lifetime:

1. Johann Sebastian Bach (March 31, 1685 – July 28, 1750): Bach was a German composer and musician and is known today as one of the greatest composers in music history. He is known for his orchestral music from cello suites and sonatas, to keyboard and organ works. 

Reflecton

It was very interesting to explore the historical context and events that unfolded during the lives of these famous astronomers. It gave me a totally new perspective and glimpse into this transformative period where so much scientific discovery was taking place. It’s also interesting that thanks to Einstein’s work, we now know that some of Newton’s views of gravity were a bit underdeveloped and didn’t reflect the true dynamics going on for every scenario, like Mecurry’s peculiar orbit around the Sun.