Synopses & Reviews
Describes development of theories of planetary motion, emphasizing interaction between progress in mathematics and astronomy.
Review
"In an authoritative, well-organized presentation of the historical developments, annotated by extensive references, Linton explains the new concepts of mathematics [...] An excellent survey of the history of this field. Highly recommended." D.E. Hogg, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, CHOICE"This thoroughly-researched book demands the reader's attention and effort, but rewards the investment richly. It will be an important reference work for decades to come; I hope it will also provide a model for more expositions of challenging mathematical topics to a wider audience." MAA Reviews, Glen van Brummelen
Synopsis
Since Babylonian times, a great deal of effort has been put into trying to predict and explain the motions of the sun, moon, and planets. This book describes the theories of planetary motion that have been developed through the ages, emphasizing the interaction between progress in astronomy and mathematics.
About the Author
Christopher Linton is Head of the Mathematical Sciences Department at Loughborough University.
Table of Contents
Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Spheres and circles; 3. The Ptolemaic universe; 4. Developments in geocentric astronomy; 5. The heliocentric universe; 6. Tycho Brahe, Kepler and the ellipse; 7. Galileo, the telescope, and Keplarian astronomy; 8. The universal theory of gravitation; 9. Celestial mechanics; 10. The asteroids and the outer planets; 11. New methods; 12. Mercury and Relativity.