Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) was a Polish astronomer, who believed that the Sun, not Earth, is at the centre of the solar system, thus defying established doctrine.

Short Biography:

For 30 years he worked on the hypothesis that the rotation and the orbital motion of Earth were responsible for the apparent movement of the heavenly bodies.

His great work "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium" was not published until the year of his death.

Born at Torun on the Vistula, then under the Polish king, be studied at Cracow and in Italy, and lectured on astronomy at Rome.

On his return to Pomerania in 1505 he became physician to his uncle, the bishop of Ermland, and was made canon at Frauenburg, although he did not take holy orders.

Living there until his death, he interspersed astronomical work with the duties of various civil offices.

Why is Nicolaus Copernicus famous?

Nicolaus Copernicus was a Renaissance astronomer.

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Nicolaus Copernicus Pictures

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Tags: astronomer, renaissance, doctrine

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Category: Scientists  - ( Scientists Archive)

Date Added: 10 December '11

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