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1508
Early Discoveries
In the year 1508, Copernicus began developing his own celestial model of what is know as a "heliocentric planetary system", attempting to falsify Aristotle's theory of the universe. Pictured is a graphic representation of a Heliocentric system, similar to the model which Copernicus was researching. Copernicus' model named the sun, rather than the Earth, as the center of the solar system. Copernicus also believed that the size of planets and speed of orbit depended on its distance from the sun. -
1513
Further Research
In 1513, Nicolaus Copernicus' devotion to his theory prompted him to construct his own personal observatory. The best way to test his hypothesis was with his own eyes.
His observations were groundbreaking, but not always entirely accurate. At times, he made inaccurate conclusions, most notably including his assumption that planetary orbits occur in perfect circles. As German astronomer and philosopher Johannes Kepler would later theorize, planetary orbits are actually elliptical in shape. -
1514
Commentariolus
In the year 1514, Copernicus published the findings from his research. This first book was called "Commentariolus." Previously, Ptolemy had invented a geometric planetary model that demonstrated eccentric circular motions and epicycles, which was paramount in Copernicus' discoveries. In addition, Copernicus referenced Regiomontanus's 15th century work "Epitome of the Almagest", which presented an opinion contrary to Ptolemy. The combination of the two previous ideologies are evident in his book. -
1532
Copernicus Prooves his Theory
In the year 1532, Copernicus had conducted observations and applied mathematics needed to identify Earth’s place in the universe. He had finished writing the first manuscript of his second book. Fearing the reception it would receive, Copernicus decided not to publish the book. Instead, he showed it to other scientists, mathematicians, and friends to see if they could falsify his work. Though he was viewed as a heretic, he was not pursued and was able to continue his research. -
1543
Revoloutions of the Heavenly Spheres
Just before Copernicus' death, he was still standing alone in his theory of the universe. He had finished writing his second book, "De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium" (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres). Copernicus' theories were considered heretical by the Roman Catholic Church. As minister Andreas Osiander said, "This fool wants to turn the whole art of astronomy upside down!" (The Doc) Just as we are doing today, Copernicus continued to challenge even the most believed theories. -
May 24, 1543
Death of Copernicus (1543)
"In May of 1543, mathematician and scholar Georg Joachim Rheticus presented Copernicus with a copy of his newly published book. Suffering the aftermath of a recent stroke, Copernicus was said to have been clutching the book when he died in his bed on May 24, 1543 in Poland." (A&E Networks) Copernicus was revolutionary, not only in his discoveries, but in his ideology of challenging previously "known" science. His discoveries have, and will continue to assist scientists in their discoveries. -
1550
Work Cited
References: A&E Networks. (2018, March 15). Nicolaus Copernicus. Retrieved June 08, 2018, from https://www.biography.com/people/nicolaus-copernicus-9256984 "The Doc". (2016, February 26). Home. Retrieved June 08, 2018, from https://www.famousscientists.org/nicolaus-copernicus/ Copernicus, N. (1514). Commentariolus. Copernicus, N. (1543). De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium.
