The astronomer changed our view of the universe forever

Copernicus was a true polymath of the Renaissance

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Copernicus proposed his theory that the planets revolved around the Sun in the 1500s when most people believed that Earth was the centre of the universe. Although his model wasn’t completely correct, it formed a strong foundation for future scientists. Indeed, other astronomers built on Copernicus’ work, proving that our planet is just one world orbiting one star in a vast cosmos loaded with both, and that we’re far from the centre of anything.

Born on 19 February 1473 in Toruń, Poland, Mikołaj Kopernik – Copernicus is the Latinised form of his name – received an excellent education. Copernicus’ father passed away when Copernicus was young, and his uncle became a leading figure in his life, guiding his studies. Copernicus’ uncle wanted him to study the laws and regulations of the Catholic Church and then return home to become a canon –a type of official in the Catholic Church. However, while visiting several academic institutions, Copernicus spent most of his time studying mathematics and astronomy. While attending the University of Bologna, Copernicus lived and worked with astronomy professor Domenico Maria de Novara, doing research and helping him make observations of the heavens.