Kepler's Elliptical Orbits Confirming Newton's Gravity

Many a question has been raised about whether Kepler's elliptical orbits might be a miscalculation due to unrealistic assumptions, potentially damaging the credibility of Newton's gravity and universal gravitation. Let's delve into this and clarify any misconceptions.

A Misplaced Concern

One might argue, just as one could question the credibility of Newton's gravity if apples fell up, but such a premise is fundamentally flawed. Newton's laws of motion and universal gravitation have been rigorously tested and validated through extensive experimentation and observations. Thus, refuting a single point does not undermine the entire system.

Observations and Predictions

When Kepler first observed the planets and proposed that their orbits were not circular but elliptical, it was based on an assumption that perfect shapes (like circles) represented the natural state of the universe. However, as these circular orbits began to show inconsistencies in predicting the positions of planets, it became clear that a new, more accurate model was needed. The elliptical orbits, as derived by Kepler and confirmed by Newton, provided a much more precise prediction of planetary positions.

The Role of Science in Verification

Science is an iterative process encompassing observation, theoretical derivation, prediction, experimental validation, and further observation. The accurate predictions that come from Newton's laws of gravitation and the elliptical orbits have been consistently verified over time. This rigorous process of scientific validation is what gives Newton's laws their credibility and not a single miscalculation in earlier assumptions.

Modern Verification

Modern astronomy has made significant advancements in measuring the distances to planets, moons, and even stars with unprecedented accuracy. For instance, the elliptical orbit of the Moon around the Earth has been confirmed in various ways:

1. Variable Lunar Diameter: The apparent size of the Moon changes from month to month due to its elliptical orbit. This can be observed with the term "supermoon" which occurs when the Moon is closer to Earth at full phase, making it appear larger and brighter. This phenomenon aligns with predictions based on an elliptical orbit.

2. Lunar Rangefinder Data: Laser rangefinding technology allows us to measure the distance to the Moon with centimeter accuracy. These measurements prove beyond any doubt that the Moon's orbit is elliptical, not circular. Additionally, the apparent size of the Sun also changes due to the elliptical orbit of the Earth, supporting the same model.

3. Positional Predictions of Planets: The positions of planets in the night sky are accurately predicted using Newton's laws of motion and Kepler's laws. These predictions have been verified countless times, further bolstering the credibility of these theories.

Kepler's Hunch and Modern Scientific Validation

Kepler's initial observations indicated that Mars' orbit was not circular, which was a significant step towards understanding the true nature of planetary orbits. Although his data was not as precise or extensive as we have today, his educated guess proved to be correct. The modern scientific approach not only confirms Kepler's elliptical orbit but also advances our understanding of celestial mechanics based on Newton's laws.

Thus, the accuracy and reliability of Newton's gravity and universal gravitation are established through a consistent and rigorous scientific process that continues to validate these principles with modern tools and technologies.