What characterized the orbits confirmed by Johannes Kepler?

The orbits confirmed by Johannes Kepler are characterized as elliptical and centered on the Sun. Kepler's laws of planetary motion, established in the early 17th century, represent a significant advancement in our understanding of how planets move in the solar system. His first law states that planets travel in ellipses with the Sun at one focus. This was a groundbreaking shift from the earlier belief in circular orbits centered around the Earth, reflecting his observations and calculations that showed how the paths of planets are not perfect circles but rather elongated shapes.

The implication of Kepler's findings was profound for astronomy and physics because they not only described the shapes of planetary orbits but also provided a more accurate model for predicting planetary positions. This model laid the groundwork for Newton’s theory of gravity, which further explained the forces behind these elliptical orbits.