Copernicus

Nicolaus Copernicus was a Polish astronomer who changed how we see the solar system. He was born in Poland in 1473. He proposed that Earth orbits the Sun, not the other way around. This was a very bold idea at the time.

Early Life

Copernicus was raised by his uncle after his father died. He studied math, astronomy, and medicine at several universities. He also studied law and became a church official. He spent his free time watching the stars.

A colorful NASA map showing our very early universe.
A colorful NASA map showing our very early universe. (NASA / WMAP Science Team / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Discoveries

Most people believed Earth was the center of the universe. Copernicus said the Sun was at the center. He wrote a book called On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres. It was published in 1543, the year he died.

Fun Facts

  • Copernicus was also a doctor who treated patients for free.
  • He could speak five languages.
  • His book was banned by the Catholic Church for about 200 years.

Did You Know?

Legend says Copernicus saw the first printed copy of his book on his deathbed. The Copernican Revolution, named after him, completely changed astronomy and science.