~ 1571 - 1630
Johannes Kepler was a German mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer, best known for his laws of planetary motion that laid the foundations for Newton's theory of universal gravitation. Born on December 27, 1571, he played a crucial role in the scientific revolution, proving that planets move in elliptical orbits. Kepler's work not only advanced the field of astronomy but also contributed to the development of calculus and optics.