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Nicolaus Copernicus, Polish astronomer
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Nicolaus Copernicus, Polish astronomer
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) observing a lunar eclipse in Rome, Italy, in 1500. Copernicus was a Polish astronomer who studied in both Poland and Italy. Later, he began the revolution that overthrew more than 1000 years of astronomical thought. Since the time of Ptolemy in the second century AD, the Earth had been considered to be the immovable centre of the universe. From 1512, Copernicus developed his heliocentric theory, where the Earth was one of several planets moving around the Sun. Copernicus feared persecution by the Roman Catholic Church, and delayed publication of his book, The Revolution of the Heavenly Spheres, until he was near death. He received his copy from the printers on the day he died. The book was banned by the Roman Catholic church from 1616 until 1835. Engraving from the 1875 edition of Vies des Savants Illustres
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1400s 1500s 15th Century 16th Century 1875 Astronomer Engraving Italy Lunar Eclipse Nicolaus Copernicus Observing Polish Portraits Rome Scientific Revolution Scientist Surname C Telescope Vies Des Savants Illustres Watching 1500 Mono Chrome
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This print captures a significant moment in history, showcasing Nicolaus Copernicus, the renowned Polish astronomer. In this illustration from the 19th century, we witness Copernicus observing a lunar eclipse in Rome, Italy back in 1500. Copernicus was an exceptional scholar who studied both in Poland and Italy. His groundbreaking work revolutionized our understanding of the universe by challenging the prevailing belief that Earth was at the center of it all for over a millennium since Ptolemy's time. In 1512, Copernicus developed his heliocentric theory which proposed that Earth was just one of many planets orbiting around the Sun. However, fearing persecution from the Roman Catholic Church due to contradicting religious doctrines at that time, he delayed publishing his book "The Revolution of the Heavenly Spheres" until he neared death. Tragically, on his final day alive, Copernicus received a copy of his book from printers. The Roman Catholic Church banned its publication from 1616 until 1835 due to its controversial nature. This engraving taken from Vies des Savants Illustres' 1875 edition immortalizes Copernicus as an influential figure during the scientific revolution. It serves as a reminder of how one man's relentless pursuit of knowledge can challenge long-held beliefs and reshape our understanding of the world around us.
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