In 1474, Johannes Regiomontanus published the 'Ephemerides,' a comprehensive set of tables detailing the positions of celestial bodies. This work was pivotal for navigation and astronomy, providing essential data for astronomers and navigators of the time. Regiomontanus's contributions to the field laid the groundwork for future advancements in celestial mechanics and helped establish the importance of precise astronomical observations.

Regiomontanus' ephemerides published in 1474 aided navigation and inspired Renaissance literature celebrating predictive science. Poets like Galileo and later John Donne incorporated themes of astronomy and time into their poetic explorations, reflecting the era's fascination with the cosmos.