Nicolaus Copernicus

Birth

Feb 19, 1473

Nicolaus Capernicus also known as Mikolaj Kopernick was born in Torun, Poland on February 19, 1473.

Copernicus Goes to College

1491

At 18 years old, Copernicus leaves home to go to college in Italy. Here he studies laws and regulations involved with the Catholic Church with the intent to go into service to the church in his home city for his Uncle. Although this was the intention, rather than go into that line of work, Copernicus insteas returns to shool later on where he studied math and astronomy.

Copernicus Leaves College

1503

in May of 1503 Copernicus recieved his Doctorates in Law and returned home here he was made a canon for his Church. His responsibilities in this post included collecting money owed to the church and other financial suties and well as being involved with the everyday workings of the Church.

Little Commentary

1508

It was between the years of 1508 and 1514 that Nicolaus Copernicus wrote the book "Commentariolus," or "Little Commentary." It was in this book that his ideas of a Sun-centered galaxy were outlined. Because of thought found within this book and the time of its publishing, it is between these years that Copernicus birthed the idea of heliocentrism.

Six Books Concerning the Revolutions of the Heavenly Orbs

1543

In the year 1543, Copernicus published his finalized idea of heliocentrism. He dedicated this book to the Pope at the time, Pope Paul III. Because of the things theorized in this book the Church would eventually condemn it, although this did not occur until many years later. 1543 is also the year that Copernicus passed away from what is believed to have been a stroke.

Copernicus' Books Banned

1616

Though the Catholic Church was not accepting of Copernicus' works when they were released in 1543, it wasn't until 1616 that the books were banned.