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The system of the world

Newton’s Law of Gravity

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What does it say?

It determines the force of gravitational attraction between two bodies in terms of their masses and the distance between them.

Why is that important?

It can be applied to any system of bodies interacting through the force of gravity, such as the Solar System. It tells us that their motion is determined by a simple mathematical law.

What did it lead to?

Accurate prediction of eclipses, planetary orbits, the return of comets, the rotation of galaxies. Artificial satellites, surveys of the Earth, the Hubble telescope, observations of solar flares. Interplanetary probes, Mars rovers, satellite communications and television, the Global Positioning System.