Nicolaus Copernicus
Published on Apr 15, 2016
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
19 Feb 1473 - 24 May 1543
Nicolaus was the 4th son of Nicolaus Copernicus, Sr. and Barbara Wotzenrode. His father died when he was only 10, and his uncle, Bishop of Varmia Lucas Watzenrode, assumed the role of his guardian.
Why does he matter?
- Developed a model of the heliocentric planetary system, which he proved in his Commentariolus
- His Heavenly Spheres Theory (De revolutionibus orbium coelestium
Copernicus studied at several institutions in Cracow, Bologna, Rome, Padua, and Ferrara. His contributions to astronomy were aided by the use of the Ptolemaic equant point and the laws of physics. In this way he reconciled inconsistencies found in other models of our planetary system.
Fun Facts
- Copernicus was a canon in the Catholic Church
- He delayed publishing De revolutionibus orbium coelestium for 11 years because he was afraid of being ridiculed
- He created the Quantity Theory of Money
- The element Copernicum is named after him
- Among other things, Copernicus was a translator, medical doctor, and diplomat
