Full Name: Johannes Kepler

Lived Between: 1571-1630

Nationality: German

Primary Occupation: Astronomer

Claim to Fame: Johannes Kepler was one of the most important scientist in the field of astronomy. He was the founder of "celestial mechanics", having been the first to explain planetary motion.  In addition to his theories on the structure of the Universe, Kepler made important headway into the field of optics, his publication Stereometrica Doliorum formed the basis of integral calculus, and he also made important advances in geometry.

In addition to these major breakthroughs, Kepler is responsible for the three laws of planetary motion.

Recommended Book: Kepler's Geometrical Cosmology -- Judith Veronica Field; Hardcover

Recommended Link: www.johanneskepler.com