Mécanique Céleste is a branch of astronomy that focuses on the motions and gravitational interactions of celestial bodies. It applies the principles of classical mechanics to understand the orbits of planets, moons, and other objects in space. This field helps predict the positions and movements of these bodies over time. The term is often associated with the work of Pierre-Simon Laplace, who made significant contributions in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His book, also titled Mécanique Céleste, synthesized earlier astronomical knowledge and laid the groundwork for modern celestial mechanics, influencing both astronomy and physics.