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Copernicus Works

Definition

Nicolaus Copernicus was a Renaissance-era mathematician and astronomer who formulated a model of the universe that placed the Sun rather than Earth at its center. His works revolutionized our understanding of the solar system.

Analogy

Imagine if you always thought your hometown was the center of your country, only to find out it's actually somewhere else entirely! That's what Copernicus did for our understanding of the universe - he shifted our perspective from an Earth-centered to a Sun-centered model.

Related terms

Heliocentric Theory: This is the astronomical model in which the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun at the center of our Solar System. It was proposed by Copernicus.

Galileo Galilei: An Italian astronomer, physicist and engineer who championed heliocentrism and is often referred to as "the father of observational astronomy". He faced persecution from religious authorities for his support of Copernican theories.

Scientific Revolution: A period in history beginning in late Renaissance when scientific ideas about physics, mathematics, astronomy, biology (including human anatomy) and chemistry transformed societal views about nature. The works of Copernicus played a significant role during this period.