Nicolas Copernicus: The Revolutionary Who Placed the Sun at the Center of the Universe

A Polish Youth and European Education

Born on February 19, 1473 in Toruń (Thorn) in Poland, Mikołaj Kopernik (known by his Latinized name Nicolas Copernicus) grew up in a wealthy merchant family. His father, also named Mikołaj, was a prosperous merchant, and his mother, Barbara Watzenrode, came from the Toruń bourgeoisie.

Educational journey:

• 1483-1491: Studies at Włocławek Cathedral School
• 1491-1494: Studies at the University of Kraków (astronomy, mathematics, philosophy)
• 1496-1501: Studies of canon law at the University of Bologna
• 1501-1503: Studies of medicine at the University of Padua
• 1503: Doctorate in canon law from the University of Ferrara

Copernicus mastered several languages: Latin, Polish, German, Greek and Italian, giving him access to the scientific texts of his time.

The Heliocentric Theory (1514-1543)

Copernicus developed his revolutionary theory that the Sun (not the Earth) is at the center of the universe. His ideas were presented in his major work De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres) published in 1543.

1. Fundamental Principles

The heliocentric theory is based on several principles:

• The Sun is at the center of the universe
• The Earth rotates on its axis in 24 hours (rotation)
• The Earth revolves around the Sun in 1 year (revolution)
• The Earth-Sun distance is negligible compared to the distance to the stars
• The retrograde motion of planets is explained by Earth's movement

2. Mathematical Proofs

Copernicus used complex mathematical calculations to support his theory:

• Calculation of the relative distances of planets from the Sun
• Explanation of the apparent motions of planets
• More accurate table of planetary positions than the Ptolemaic system
• Use of trigonometry to calculate orbits

3. Controversial Publication

De revolutionibus was published shortly before his death:

• 1543: Published in Nuremberg by Johannes Petreius
• Preface added by Andreas Osiander without Copernicus' consent, presenting the theory as a hypothesis
• Book placed on the Index of Forbidden Books by the Catholic Church in 1616
• Removed from the Index only in 1835

Other Scientific Contributions

1. Economics and Currency

Copernicus applied his mathematical talents to economics:

• 1517: Wrote a treatise on currency (Monetae cudendae ratio)
• Proposed reforms of the Polish monetary system
• Studied the causes of inflation
• Developed theories on the value of money

2. Cartography

He contributed to the mapping of Prussia:

• 1520: Participated in mapping the territories of the Teutonic Order
• Established precise maps for local administration
• Used astronomical methods to determine geographic positions

3. Medicine and Law

Copernicus also worked as:

• Physician for the canons of Frombork
• Jurist and administrator for the cathedral chapter
• Diplomat for the Duke of Prussia

Ecclesiastical Career and Engagements

Ecclesiastical career:

• 1497: Appointed canon at Frombork Cathedral
• 1503: Became administrator of the chapter's properties
• 1510: Settled permanently in Frombork
• 1520: Responsible for food supply for the chapter

Engagements:

• Management of Frombork chapter affairs
• Participation in the defense of Olsztyn against the Teutonic Knights (1521)
• Mediator in local conflicts
• Advisor to the Duke of Prussia

Legacy and Posterity

Copernicus died on May 24, 1543 in Frombork, leaving an immense scientific legacy:

• His heliocentric theory:
  • Revolutionized our understanding of the universe
  • Inspired Galileo, Kepler and Newton
  • Marked the beginning of the scientific revolution
  • Led to modern astronomy
• Posthumous honors:
  • Chemical element Copernicium (Cn, atomic number 112)
  • Asteroid (1322) Coppernicus
  • Lunar crater Copernicus
  • Universities and observatories named after him in Poland
  • European space program Copernicus (Earth observation)

Galileo declared: "Copernicus opened the doors to a new and deeper understanding of the universe, far beyond what the ancients could imagine."

Sources: Copernicus Museum in Toruń, De revolutionibus (digitized original edition), Encyclopædia Britannica,