Thomas J. Osler
Abstract
Kepler’s first law of planetary motion states that the orbits of planets are elliptical, with the sun at one focus. We present an unusual verification of this law for use in classes in mechanics. It has the advantages of resembling the simple verification of circular orbits, and stressing the importance of Kepler’s equation.
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Kepler’s first law of planetary motion states that the orbits of planets are elliptical, with the sun at one focus. We present an unusual verification of this law for use in classes in mechanics. It has the advantages of resembling the simple verification of circular orbits, and stressing the importance of Kepler’s equation.
Key concepts: Kepler, Physics, Kepler's laws of planetary motion, Kepler problem, Planet, Focus (optics), Celestial mechanics, Classical mechanics