Nicolaus Copernicus

Copernicus was important to science because he proved the heliocentric theory. Heliocentric theory means that the sun is the center of our solar system. Which today, is still proven to be true. He went against church beliefs and eventually was punished for it. He was placed on house arrest and had to recant, telling the people of his town that he was lying and didn't mean anything that he said. He used observation to help support his idea.

Nicolaus Copernicus was a Renaissance mathematician and astronomer who formulated a model of the universe that placed the sun at the center rather than the earth.

Heliocentric Theory

"To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge." -Nicolaus Copernicus

Nicolaus Copernicus

Copernicus is considered the founder of modern astronomy.

Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland on February 19th, 1473. His father died when he was only ten years old. He was taken into the custody of his uncle who was a prince and a bishop.

In 1941 he entered the University of Crawford, he studied mathmatics and painting. By the time he graduated in 1946 he had first became interested in astronomy. His uncle made him serve as a canon (member at the catherdal) and the job helped Copernicus with very good income. In 1496 after graduating he went to italy for 10 years to study medicine and religious law.

Early Life

Importance to science

Other facts about Copernicus

1.Not only did Capernicus discover that the Earth orbits the Sun, but also the Earth is spinning while doing so.2.Copernicus is sometimes called the father of modern astronomy because of his Heliocentric theory3. It is said that Copernicus never actually married because he was too dedicated to his work.

Natanee Magee