Daniel Kirkwood

Daniel Kirkwood was a 19th-century American astronomer best known for his work on asteroids and celestial mechanics. He notably discovered gaps in the distribution of asteroids between Mars and Jupiter, now known as Kirkwood gaps, which are caused by gravitational interactions with Jupiter. Kirkwood's research contributed significantly to our understanding of the solar system, particularly regarding the orbits of small celestial bodies. His work laid the foundation for future studies in astronomy and planetary science, influencing how scientists analyze the dynamics of asteroid belts and the gravitational forces that shape them.