Elliptical orbit of planets
Date
1664
Creator
Unknown, Artist
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p1
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 300mm
width (page): 197mm
width (page): 197mm
Subject
Description
Diagram and chart from Nicolas Mercator, Hypothesis astronomica nova, et consensus eius cum observationibus (London: Ex officina Leybourniana, 1664), where the diagram appears at p. 2. The diagram shows how a non-uniform motion of a planet in an elliptical orbit might be reduced to equal angles in equal times around the empty focus (F). By 1670, Mercator had understood Kepler’s area law.
Another version of this diagram can be found at Cl.P/8i/20a/003.
Another version of this diagram can be found at Cl.P/8i/20a/003.
Object history
Diagram and chart from Nicolas Mercator, Hypothesis astronomica nova, et consensus eius cum observationibus (London: Ex officina Leybourniana, 1664), p. 2
Related fellows
Nicolas Mercator (1614 - 2001, British) , Mathematician
Associated place