The simplest complexity: The story of the three-body problem

TL;DR

This paper provides a historical overview of the Newtonian three-body problem, highlighting its development, influence on physics, and the paradigm shifts it prompted over time.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive, episodic account of the three-body problem's evolution and its impact on theoretical physics.

Findings

Historical development of the three-body problem

Influence on modern physics paradigms

Key episodes shaping current understanding

Abstract

This article offers a broad-brush account of the Newtonian three-body problem, from its origins with Newton to its vibrant present, emphasizing its enduring influence on theoretical physics. It unfolds through a series of self-contained episodes that illuminate the scientific fields and the paradigm shift that have grown out of this problem.