Nicolaus Copernicus

A Biography by Robby Page

“To know that we know what we know, and to know

that we do not know what we do not know, that is
true knowledge.
Mathematics is written for mathematicians.
For it is the duty of an astronomer to compose the
history of the celestial motions through careful and
expert study.”
Nicolaus Copernicus

Have you ever believed in something

based on your religion or personal belief and
have it be proven wrong by a scientist or astronomer? Did the result surprise and
astonish you? Maybe it was inspiring. Maybe it was invigorating. That actually
occurred in the Renaissance! Well, that's just what you’re about to find out.
Meet Nicolaus Copernicus. He was born on February 19, 1473, in Torun,
Poland. He was raised like any other kid of the time. Yes, he had an uncle that
was the leader of Ermland. He went to the University of Cracow. He studied math
and astronomy. This started his amazing campaign, if you will, which led him to
be called a Genius. A Rockstar. A real Astronomer. I was the one who called him
a rock star, but he really was amazing. Yes, he did things that defied human
nature. He conceived rules and theories that had logic but defied the beliefs of
Catholics and Christians.
First, let's back up a bit and talk about what he actually did to become the
person that was famous and a genius. Nicolaus created the Heliocentric system.
This is a theory and belief that the Sun was located at the center of the universe.
The original words read, “All the spheres revolve about the sun as their midpoint,
and therefore the sun is the center of the universe.” Now that wouldn’t be that big
of a deal because we all know that. But at the time, people believed their religions
and beliefs, which was the Earth was at the center of the universe. And people
believed him. After that he became very famous and had varied opinions that
consisted of adjusting the idea, in addition to people who were strictly tied to
religion. He even received an invitation to be present as an astronomer at the
Lateran Council, which was a pretty big deal at the time.
Copernicus really had it going for him. I think after his theory went viral, he
showed people a different way of seeing the universe. I think that from that
Nicolaus Copernicus was an incredibly smart man and a very independent kind of
guy based on his theories and discoveries, and I think we can all be the same kind
of person that he was.