scientist: Nicolaus Copernicus
Nicolaus Copernicus (born February 19, 1473 – May 24,
1543) was a Polish monk, mathematician, philosopher, astronomer, jurist,
physician, administrator, diplomat and soldier who was one of the greatest
scientists of his time.
He is considered the first to formulate the theory of
the centrality of the sun and the Earth as a body revolving in its orbit in his
book "On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres".
He is the developer of the theory of the rotation of
the earth, and is considered the founder of modern astronomy, which belongs to
the European Renaissance.
Because of his great responsibilities, astronomy was
considered a hobby, but he nevertheless formulated one of the most important
theories in history, revolutionizing astronomy and thus modern science,
encouraging scientists and researchers to challenge prevailing laws and to put
science before dogmatic beliefs.
Mikhail Copernicus spent 20 years working on the
heliocentric theory. His main work was entitled “On the Revolutions of the
Celestial Spheres.” He finished this work in 1539 AD. His work first appeared in
1543 AD in the city of Vermburg, several days before his death.