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in partnership with the Dill Faulkes Educational Trust

 

Johannes Kepler

Occupation

Astronomer, Mathematician, Scientist, Teacher

Year born

1571

Research Areas

Planetary motion, Optics, Geometry

 

Early Life

Johannes was born in Weil der Stadt (now part of Germany). He had an interest in astronomy from a very young age. When he was 6, his mother took him up to a high place to see the Great Comet of 1577. When he was 9, he was called outdoors to see a lunar eclipse. His family were poor, but Johannes got a scholarship to study at the University of Tübingen.

Hypatia

Occupation

Astronomer, Mathematician, Philosopher

Year born

Sometime between 350 – 370 AD

Research interests

Geometry, Algebra

Early Life

Hypatia was born to a Greek family in Alexandria, Egypt. Her father was a mathematician and educator. Very little is known about her mother.

Career Highlights

Hypatia worked with her father to keep maths and astronomy knowledge up to date and safe during a period of religious conflict. At this time, property and buildings (including books and libraries) were at risk of damage or destruction.