In the history of science, the Solar System has always been a central research topic for astronomers and physicists. From the basic theories of Isaac Newton about the movements of celestial bodies to the groundbreaking discoveries of Albert Einstein Regarding the theory of relativity, human knowledge of the Solar System and the universe has continuously expanded. These theories not only explain how planets move through space but also open new doors for space research.
These two great scientists left profound marks in the history of science and helped humanity better understand how natural forces, such as gravity, work in the Solar System. From Newton’s fundamental principles of motion to Einstein’s general theory of relativity, each theory has played an important role in building modern knowledge about the universe.
1. Isaac Newton And The Law Of Gravitation
Isaac Newton (1643–1727) was one of history’s greatest scientists, who laid the foundations of classical mechanics and the basic principles of gravitation. In 1687, Newton published his work “Principia Mathematica”in which he explained the laws of motion and invented them law of universal gravitation. According to Newton, all objects in the universe have a gravitational force and this force is proportional to their mass and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
Newton’s law of universal gravitation explained why planets orbit the Sun in definite orbits. In particular, this theory helps clarify the phenomenon that planets do not move in straight lines but bend due to the influence of gravity. This confirmed that the Sun is the center of the Solar System and the planets are held together by its gravity.
2. Albert Einstein And General Relativity
After Newton, his theories dominated most scientific research until the 20th century. However, when Albert Einstein (1879–1955) introduced general relativity in 1915, it changed the way people understood space and time. While Newton believed that gravity was an invisible force between two objects, Einstein explained that gravity is essentially the bending of space-time caused by matter.
Einstein showed that the planets do not move in orbit because of the gravitational pull of the Sun, but because space-time around the Sun is curved, and the planets follow that curved path. This concept was demonstrated through the phenomenon of “light bending” around the Sun, an event observed during the 1919 solar eclipse. This result not only strengthened the general theory of relativity but also confirmed that the theory Einstein’s theory is more accurate than Newton’s theory when it comes to gravity under extremely strong conditions.
3. Application of Theories to the Solar System
Both Newton’s and Einstein’s theories have wide applications in explaining the functioning of the Solar System. Newton’s law of universal gravitation is still used to calculate the orbits of planets, satellites, and asteroids. It is the foundation for modern space missions, allowing spacecraft to precisely position and move through space.
Einstein’s general theory of relativity, although more complicated, helps explain phenomena that Newton’s theory cannot explain, such as the motion of stars near black holes or the phenomenon of time dilation when approaching orbiting objects. extremely large volume. The combination of these two theories has helped people build a more comprehensive picture of the Solar System and the universe.
Scientific theory
From Newton to Einstein, theories of gravity ushered in a new era in astronomy and physics research. Understanding of the Solar System is constantly expanding thanks to their research. Although Newton’s and Einstein’s theories differed in nature, they made important contributions to explaining how planets and objects in the Solar System interact and move. With the development of science, these theories continue to play an important role in discovering the mysteries of the universe.
