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Almanac >
Astronomers
Nicolaus Copernicus
Nicolaus Copernicus
(1473-1543) was a Polish astronomer whose discoveries laid the foundation
for a radical shift in 16th century astronomy.
His theory of planetary motion (often called the
Copernican Theory) challenged the accepted geocentric model of the universe by suggesting that the Sun, not the
Earth, was at the center of the solar system.
His highly influential scientific treatise De revolutionibus orbium
coelestium (translation: On the Revolutions of the
Celestial Spheres) describes several then revolutionary
theories of astronomy, including his heliocentric model of
the universe and theories which described the orbital
properties of planets and moons.
The
Copernican Theory was received with skepticism during
the lifetime of Copernicus but was later accepted after a continuation of his work by
subsequent astronomers
Galileo and Kepler.
His book De revolutionibus orbium coelestium offered
significant supportive evidence for his theory but not
published until after his death in 1543.
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Nicolaus Copernicus
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Fact Sheet
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Born |
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February 19, 1473 in Torun,
Poland
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Died |
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May 24, 1473 in Frombork, Poland
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Nationality |
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Polish
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Religion |
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Roman Catholic
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Fields |
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Mathematics, astronomy,
diplomacy, medicine, economics, and military
leadership
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Education |
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Kraków University, Bologna
University
University of Padua, University of Ferrara
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Achievements |
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Provided scientific
justification for the heliocentric model of the universe
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