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Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543)
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Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543)
Nicolaus Copernicus Polish astronomer who began the revolution that overthrew more than 1000 years of astronomical thought. Since the time of Ptolemy in the second century AD, the Earth had been considered to be the immovable centre of the universe. From 1512, Copernicus developed a mathematical model for his heliocentric theory, in which the Earth was said to be one of several planets moving around the Sun. Copernicus feared persecution by the Roman Catholic Church, and delayed publication of his book, The Revolution of the Heavenly Spheres, until near his death. He received his copy from the printers on the day he died. The book was banned by the Roman Catholic church from 1616 until 1835
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Astronomer Banned Controversial Controversy Copernican Geocentric Heliocentric Heretic Mathematical Mathematician Mathematics Nicolaus Copernicus Polish Revolutionary Scientist Solar System Theory
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This print showcases Nicolaus Copernicus, the Polish astronomer who forever changed our understanding of the universe. Born in 1473, Copernicus initiated a revolution that shattered over a millennium of astronomical beliefs. Until his groundbreaking work, which began in 1512, it was widely accepted that Earth stood motionless at the center of the cosmos since Ptolemy's time. Copernicus dared to challenge this long-standing geocentric theory and proposed a heliocentric model instead. According to his mathematical calculations, Earth was just one among several planets orbiting around the Sun. However, fearing persecution from the Roman Catholic Church due to contradicting their teachings, he withheld publication of his book until shortly before his death. Tragically, on that fateful day when he received copies of "The Revolution of the Heavenly Spheres" from printers - finally sharing his revolutionary ideas with the world - Copernicus passed away. The Roman Catholic Church subsequently banned his book for over two centuries until 1835. This photograph not only captures Copernicus' image but also encapsulates an era-defining moment in scientific history. It symbolizes both controversy and courage as this brilliant mathematician and scientist challenged deeply ingrained beliefs while risking condemnation as a heretic. Today we honor Nicolaus Copernicus as an extraordinary figure whose mathematical genius reshaped our understanding of our place within the solar system and beyond.
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