Dynamics, the branch of science which studies systems in motion, particularly planetary motion, has been a source of fascination since the beginning of history.

The first planetary laws of motion were drawn up by the Greek philosopher Aristotle around the fourth century b.c. Among the three laws of motion Aristotle recognized, were natural motion, forced motion, and voluntary motion. Aristotle further believed that all the celestial bodies moved in circles around the Earth. While this is now known to be false, most of Aristotle's theories were accepted without question up until the fourteenth century. At that time, Polish astronomer Nicholas Copernicus published his theories substantiating the notion of a stationary Sun, surrounded by orbiting planets. However, Copernican views were met with great opposition, both from the Roman Catholic church as well as the scientific community. With no knowledge of the laws of gravity, scientists believed...