Nicolaus Copernicus
- Born:
- 19 February 1473, Toruń, Kingdom of Poland
- Died:
- 24 May 1543, Frombork, Kingdom of Poland
- Nationality:
- Polish
- Profession(s):
- Astronomer, Mathematician, Physician, Economist, Translator, Governor, Canon
Early Life and Education
- Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his maternal uncle, Lucas Watzenrode the Younger, Bishop of Warmia.
- Attended the University of Kraków (1491-1495), studying liberal arts.
- Studied canon law, medicine, and astronomy at the University of Bologna (1496-1500) and the University of Padua (1501-1503).
- Received a doctorate in canon law from the University of Ferrara in 1503.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served as a secretary and physician to his uncle, Bishop Lucas Watzenrode the Younger.
- Elected canon of Frauenburg Cathedral Chapter in 1503, a position he held until his death.
- Administered estates for the cathedral chapter.
- Developed his heliocentric theory, which placed the Sun, rather than the Earth, at the center of the universe.
- Continued his astronomical observations throughout his life.
Notable Works
- Commentariolus (Little Commentary): An early, unpublished summary of his heliocentric theory.
- De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres): His magnum opus, published posthumously in 1543, which presented his fully developed heliocentric model.
Legacy and Impact
Nicolaus Copernicus is considered one of the most important figures in the Scientific Revolution. His heliocentric theory fundamentally changed our understanding of the universe and laid the groundwork for modern astronomy. This "nicolaus copernicus biography summary form" aims to capture the key aspects of his life.