Copernicus

Nicolaus Copernicus

By Reiko0128
  • Feb 19, 1473

    Birth of Nicolaus Copernicus

    Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland, during the time of Jagiellon dynasty of the Kingdon of Poland. He was the fourth and youngest child to Nicolaus Copernicus Sr. and Barbara Watzenrode. After his father's death in 1483, his maternal uncle, Lucas Watzenrode became his guardian to ensure Nicolaus got the best education. He later revolutionized astronomy with his heliocentric model of the universe.
  • 1491

    University of Cracow

    Copernicus entered the University of Cracow where he studied arts and mathematics. His studies gave him a profound knowledge of logic and philosophy, as he studied the works of Aristotle and many other philosophers. While he developed an interest in the cosmos, he became aware of the inaccuracy and the limited knowledge of astronomy.
  • 1496

    University of Bologna

    Copernicus enrolled in the University of Bologna where he met astronomer Domenico Maria Novara and began assisting his observations. Copernicus developed a friendship with the professor exchanging ideas of the universe. Novara is believed to have influenced Copernicus with his view of reforming astronomy based on more accurate observations. It prepared Copernicus to challenge traditional astronomy, which at the time was based on Ptolemaic models.
  • 1500

    When in Rome

    When in Rome
    Together with Novara, Copernicus traveled to Rome. He made an observation of the lunar eclipse and had also conducted a lecture on the subject of astronomy.
  • 1503

    University of Ferrara

    Copernicus completed all the required exams and received his doctorate in Canon Law at the University of Ferrara. He then returned to Warmia and began working for his uncle Bishop Lucas Watzenrode and held his position as canon for the rest of his life.
  • 1514

    Commentariolus

    Commentariolus
    By this time, Copernicus completed "Commentariolus". It was not officially published but circulated within the scholars. In his writings, he formed seven postulates explaining a heliocentric model of the universe, abandoning the previous understandings. He stated that all planets revolve around the sun and the orbital periods depend on how far it is from the sun. The distance between the sun and earth is a tiny fraction compared to the distance between the sun and the stars.
  • 1516

    De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium

    De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium
    Copernicus completed his first revision of "De revolutionibus", which was a more developed version of "Commentariolus". It was divided into six books that described his heliocentric model in a spherical world. He attempted to solve the mystery of retrograde planetary motion and provided an answer as to why the ancient astronomers put the earth at the center of the universe. Despite inquiries, he hid his work for many years fearing it will attract too much controversy and criticism.
  • May 24, 1543

    Death of Nicolaus Copernicus

    Death of Nicolaus Copernicus
    Copernicus died after he fell ill in 1542. With much persuasion and encouragement by mathematician Rheticus and publisher Petreius, Copernicus agreed to publish "De revolutionibus" before he died. His contribution to astronomy with his radical idea helped shape the beginning of the Scientific Revolution.
    http://copernicus.torun.pl/en/science/astronomy/8/?view=film&file=1