Abstract

In 1595 Johannes Kepler made the initial attempts to discover the enigmatic Fourth Law of Planetary Motion explaining the geometric spacing of the six then-known planets. Discovered during the years of 1980-1995, the mathematical solution is revealed in three sets of geometric diagrams in which each set corroborates the other two in rendering a definitive explanation of how planets came to be in their present orbits around the Sun. Concerning the origins of solar systems and the evolution of planets, this solution is proving to be the crucial key to understanding relevant anomalies, including those of the 29 known extrasolar systems. Together with Kepler's First Three Laws of Planetary Motion, the Four Laws reveal definitive reasons for the dramatic differences between our multi-planet Solar System and the many singular-planet extrasolar systems in which each giant gaseous planet is too close to its central star to have formed in its unorthodox orbital position via the prevailing concept of planetary formation by the accretion of dust, gas, and/or planetesimals. Substantive corroborating evidence necessitates the rethinking of current beliefs about the origins of solar systems and the evolution of planets.