Johannes Kepler · Science

How the Eye Sees

Before he tamed the planets, Kepler solved a problem two thousand years old: how an image actually forms in the eye. His answer - an upside-down picture painted on the retina - founded the modern science of optics.

What you'll be able to recall

You learned that in his optical works Kepler showed the eye forms an inverted image on the retina by refraction through the lens, and explained how lenses and the telescope work. In your own words, explain why locating the image on the retina solved the ancient problem of vision - and why Kepler was untroubled that th…

Leads to Ibn al-Haytham.

Begin this lesson →
← All lessons on Johannes Kepler

epoché — a humanities education that remembers you.