Isaac Newton (jan 1, 1642 – jan 1, 1727)
Description:
Arguably one of Science's greatest, Sir Isaac Newton invented calculus, developed scientific theories on motion, light, discovered that gravity was the same force that held the moon in orbit around the Earth, and the planets around the Sun, and deduced three mathematical laws to describe the gravitational force.Newton's mathematics can be used to derive Kepler's equations, and also support Edmund Hubble's theory of 1684 that the force acting between the Sun and the planets was inversely proportional to the square of the planets distance from the Sun.
Following observations in 1781 that Uranus did not follow Newton's mathematics, a prediction was made that there must be a more distance planet 'interfering' with the calculations. Assuming Newton was right, calculations led to the prediction and discovery of Neptune in 1846
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1642
jan 1, 1727
~ 85 years