Full Name: Mr. Nicolaus Copernicus/ Mikolaj Kopernik
Date of Birth: February 19, 1473
Place of Birth: Torun, Poland
Died: May 24, 1543
Place of Death: Frombork, Poland
Classification: Scientists & Thinkers
Known for his contributions of modern astronomy, Copernicus was the first to publish his theory about the heliocentric placement and movement of the planets in our solar system. Keeping much of his work secret, Copernicus gained much fame in both elite and mainstream circles. His first book, Revolutions explained in a straightforward fashion the reasoning behind this specific ordering of the planets.
Born in Poland in the latter 1400s, Copernicus received an elitist education due to the high post of his uncle, the bishop of Ermland. His uncle was able to pay for his studies, encouraged him to go to school, and helped him through his studies at the University of Cracow. During this time, Copernicus started becoming interested in the arrangement of the planets and their movement amongst the other celestial bodies. While he never took a class on astronomy, his near obsession with his own reading material provided him with an in-depth education in the field.
Copernicus returned to his hometown and was made a canon at Frauenburg, which gave him the financial security that he needed to explore his own theories. While studying law in Bologna, he met another famous astronomer who taught him much about planetary orbits. He was able to remain in Italy for several years, obtaining a doctorate in law and eventually in medicine. In secret, he also kept studying astronomy.
While serving in his uncle’s castle, Copernicus published his seven axioms of the movement of the planets, already stating that the sun was the center of the universe. Over the years, his fame began to grow and the king of Poland invited him to discuss his theories with him.
Copernicus took his time working on his book that would tell the awaiting world his thoughts on the heavens. When his book, Revolutions, was published, the preface contained a note that the book was in fact only a hypothesis and not based on reality – thereby avoiding any trouble with the church. Although it wasn’t widespread or read, his book was actually published in six volumes. In it, he laid out his theories according to his observations in simplistic form, so that the lay reader might grasp its contents.
