It is impossible to say unequivocally who Copernicus is. It is believed that this is a theorist, astronomer, mathematician, mechanic, economist, canon, humanist, who lived from 1473 to 1543. He is the alleged creator of the modern theory of planetary arrangement, according to which the Sun is at the center. However, information about his life and work is very contradictory, which does not allow an unambiguous answer to the question: "Who is Copernicus?" There is a strong possibility that it was a figurehead. The name Copernicus, moreover, could denote a whole group of innovators in the field of astronomy who were hiding from persecution. However, we will present the official biography of this scientist. You will find out who Copernicus is, according to the most common version. Sometimes there are several popular versions, and then we will give them all.

Date of birth, origin of Copernicus

Nicolaus Copernicus, according to Polish historians of the 19th century, was born in 1473, on February 2. This event took place in the Prussian city of Thorn (modern Torun, Poland). According to the astrological calculations of the teacher Galileo and Kepler (M. Mastlin), he was born at 4 hours 48 minutes. February 19, 1473 in the afternoon. It is this date that is repeated by most of the scientific sources of our time.

The father of the future scientist is his namesake. There are many versions of who Copernicus Sr. is and what he did. He was either a merchant, or a peasant, or a doctor, or a brewer, or a baker. This man came from Krakow to Torun around 1460. In Torun, Nikolai's father became a respected man. He served for many years as an elected city judge. In addition, he was the bearer of the honorary title "brother of the tertiary" (a lay assistant to the monks belonging to this order).

What does the name Copernicus mean?

It is impossible to say exactly what the name Copernicus means, but historians believe that in the family of Nicholas, distant ancestors were copper merchants (in Latin, copper is "cuprum"). Another version is that the surname comes from the name of villages in Silesia that have the same name. Presumably they got their name from the dill that grew in the area (Polish for dill is "koper"). However, the exact location of these villages is unknown. Polish historians first discovered this surname in Krakow documents dating back to 1367. It is known that later its bearers were artisans of various professions, among them - a coppersmith, a stonemason, a gunsmith, a bathhouse attendant, a watchman.

The fate of Nikolai's relatives

Nicolaus Copernicus Sr. in Torun married Varvara Watzenrod, the daughter of the president of the court. It is believed that the wedding took place before 1463. Four children were born in the family. Nicholas was the youngest of them.

In Poland, even today they indicate the house where Nicolaus Copernicus was allegedly born, whose biography we are interested in. This building, shown in the photo below, became an object of pilgrimage for many Poles at the end of the 18th century. Plaster and bricks from it are national relics that are kept in museums.

Children in the Copernicus family studied in their hometown, where they received a good education. Andrei, the older brother, born around 1464, accompanied Nicholas everywhere almost until his death (he died in 1518 or 1519). He helped him in his studies and religious career. In 1512, Andrei fell ill with leprosy, and A. Copernicus died a few years later. We will briefly tell about the fate of the sisters of our hero. The first, Varvara, was tonsured a monk in Kulm. She died around 1517. And Catherine left for Krakow with her husband, the merchant Bartholomew Gertner. After that, her traces are lost. And what about our hero, Nicolaus Copernicus? His biography and his discoveries are worthy of detailed study. First we will talk about the life path of Nicolaus Copernicus, and then about his achievements.

Death of parents, care of uncle

In 1483, Nikolai's father died from a transient illness (presumably the plague). Mother died in 1489. After her death, Luca Watzenrode, mother's brother (pictured below), took care of the family. He was a canon of the local diocese, and after some time became its bishop. This man was educated for that time. He was a master of Krakow and also a doctor at another university - Bologna.

Training of brothers Nikolay and Andrey

Soon Andrew and Nicolaus Copernicus followed in the footsteps of their uncle. The biography of our hero continues with a long period of study. After graduating from the city school (around 1491), the brothers went to the Jagiellonian University. Nikolai and Andrei chose the Faculty of Liberal Arts. In this educational institution, they joined the humanism that spread at that time. The university allegedly even preserved a certificate indicating the payment of tuition fees (for 1491) by Nikolaus Copernicus. After studying Latin, astronomy, mathematics and other sciences for 3 years, the brothers decided to leave Krakow without receiving a diploma. Perhaps they made such a decision due to the fact that the scholastic party, whose representatives belonged to the Hungarian community, won at the university in 1494.

Brothers are elected to the seats of canons

Andrei and Nikolai intended to continue their studies in Italy. However, my uncle, who by this time had become Bishop of Ermeland, did not have extra funds for this. He advised his nephews to take the places of canons (members of the government chapter) in the diocese subordinate to him in order to receive the salary necessary for long-distance travel and study abroad. However, this plan was not implemented immediately - it was prevented by the brothers' lack of diplomas. Even strong protection did not help. Nevertheless, the brothers in 1496 nevertheless went to study as lawyers at the University of Bologna. They were chosen in absentia for canons in 1487, with a salary, as well as a 3-year leave to continue their education.

Continued studies at the University of Bologna

The scientist Nicolaus Copernicus studied not only law, but also astronomy. His biography of this time is marked by his acquaintance with Dominic Maria di Navar. This is a teacher at the University of Bologna, a famous astrologer of that time. Copernicus, whose biography can only be reconstructed on the basis of indirect sources, in his future book allegedly mentions astronomical observations that he jointly made with his teacher. At the University of Bologna, Nicholas also learned the Greek language, which was quite popular among humanists, but aroused suspicion of heresy on the part of Catholic scholastics. In addition, he fell in love with painting - a painting has been preserved, which is considered a copy of a self-portrait made by Copernicus.

Lectures in Rome, study of medicine

The brothers studied in Bologna for 3 years, again without receiving a diploma. According to historians, for a short time Nicholas worked as a mathematics teacher in Rome, at the same time giving astronomical lectures to Alexander VI Borgia, the Pope, as well as to Italian scientists. However, there is no evidence for this opinion.

In 1501, the brothers returned for a short time to Frauenburg, to their place of service. They wanted to ask for a deferral to continue their studies. Having received it, the brothers went to study medicine at the University of Padua. They remained here until 1506 and again did not receive a diploma. However, in 1503, the brothers passed the exams externally at the University of Ferrara and became doctors of law.

Homecoming, serving with a bishop

The Copernicans returned to their homeland in 1506 after graduation. By this time, Nikolai was already 33 years old, and Andrei was 42. At that time, it was considered normal to receive diplomas at this age. Moreover, many scientists recognized in the scientific community (for example, G. Gallilei) did not have diplomas. This did not prevent all of them from getting professorships.

Nicolaus Copernicus, after a year of service as a canon in Frombork, became an adviser to the bishop (his uncle), and then the chancellor of the diocese. He helped his relative fight the Teutonic Order, which was headed in 1511 by Albrecht von Hohenzollern, his future renegade. Nicholas also helped in negotiating with Sigismund I, the Polish king, who was Albrecht's uncle. It is believed that Luke Watzelrode wanted to make Nicholas his successor. However, he did not have sufficient activity and ambition for this kind of activity.

Moving to Fraenburg

Copernicus at this time began to create an astronomical theory. In February 1512, Bishop Luke Watzelrode died. Since that time, the sinecure of Copernicus ends. The bishop's chair is occupied by Fabian Losainen, a classmate of the brothers at the University of Bologna. Nikolai has to leave Lidzbarg. N. Copernicus returns to Frauenburg, where he becomes a canon of the cathedral. Tiedemann Giese, his supporter and friend, becomes chancellor of the diocese. However, Nikolai's duties do not yet burden him very much. He was in charge of economic affairs and the collection of taxes. Around this time, his brother Andrei falls ill with leprosy and decides to leave for Italy.

Copernicus becomes famous

Copernicus continues his studies in astronomy. The scientist acquires fame in this field as if at the end of the 15th century. His lectures become very popular, they are attended by Alexander VI Borgia, as well as Nicholas da Vinci. Historians note that Pope Leo X in 1514 asked the scientist what he thought about the calendar reform. Nicolaus Copernicus expressed his opinion in a letter to Paul of Middelburg, the papal curator of the matter. He advised to postpone this venture for some time, until he had completed the creation of his theory (which, by the way, Copernicus had been working on for 30 years). However, there is no written evidence to prove this.

Nicolaus Copernicus in the fall of 1516 was elected to replace Tiedemann Giese. He becomes manager of the southern possessions belonging to the Diocese of Warmia. Giese, from that time on, has been the Bishop of Kulm. Copernicus, in connection with the new appointment, moves to Olsztyn for 4 years. Here he is forced to take up military craft - the troops of the Teutonic Order attack Warmia and capture part of it. And once they even besiege the residence of Copernicus himself. Nicholas returns to Frombork in 1521, after peace has been made with the Teutonic Order.

First treatise, proposals for monetary reform

It is believed that it was then that he wrote his first treatise called "Small Commentary". This essay made his theory known in a narrow circle. Copernicus' proposals for the monetary reform of Prussia date back to 1528. It was then that he presented them at the Elbląg Diet.

The accusation against Copernicus

After Ferber's death in 1537, Johann Dantiscus, a former humanist and Epicurean, became bishop of Warmia. Subsequently, he became a hypocrite and a retrograde, and it was thanks to this that he made a religious career. A lot of grief and trouble brought Copernicus to his reign. Dantiscus allegedly accused Nicholas of immoral cohabitation with Anna Schilling, a married housekeeper. The woman was allegedly forbidden to appear in Frombork by a special decree of the bishop, since this dangerous person seduced the "venerable astronomer."

Last years of life, death

I. Retik came to Copernicus in 1539 to study his theory. After some time, he published a book where a new theory was presented, and then published a book by his teacher.

Copernicus died on May 24, 1543. Death occurred after a stroke and paralysis of the right half of the body caused by it. In 1655, Pierre Gassendi wrote a biography, according to which, in the cold hands of Copernicus, his friends put the original of his book. Nicholas, according to modern historians, was buried in Frombork Cathedral (his photo is presented above). In 1581, opposite his grave, a portrait was installed, and near the cathedral there is a monument to Nicholas.

Acts of Nicholas

N. Copernicus is known primarily as the creator of the heliocentric theory. However, he is also credited with many other activities inherent in the gifted and highly educated humanists of that time. Let us briefly describe the main discoveries of Copernicus.

Translation from Greek

In 1509, Nicholas, who was fluent in Greek, translated into Latin an essay of the 6th or 7th century. BC e. "Moral, rural and love letters of Theophylact Simokatta, scholastic". It is believed that the creator of this work was the last historian who belongs to the ancient tradition. Unfortunately, it is not known whether this translation was published, but its text is known. It is interesting that historians report that this correspondence with historical and mythical persons is filled with anachronisms and does not represent anything outstanding. However, the "boring" "rubbish" for some reason delighted Copernicus, inspired Nicholas to translate. He dedicated his work to his uncle. In addition, the heirs of the case of Nicholas published other works of Theophylact Scholasticus.

Cartography lessons

And in this area Copernicus left his mark. He created a map of Prussia, which, unfortunately, has not been preserved. Using a parallactic ruler made of fir cones, made by himself, Nikolai determined the latitude of Frauenburg with an accuracy of 3 ". These sticks, called triquetra, are today at the University of Krakow. According to historians, at the end of the 16th century this precious relic John Ganovius , Bishop of Warmia, handed over to Tycho Brahe through Elias Olai Cimber, the latter's disciple.

Other activities of Copernicus

During the period of governing the lands of Warmia (from 1516 to 1520), Nicolaus Copernicus mastered the craft of a commander, military engineer and administrator. His occupation with public finance dates back to the end of the 1520s. In addition, they write that Nikolai was a famous doctor, treated artisans and peasants for free. Copernicus' discoveries allegedly even include his invention of the sandwich.

"Small comment"

Three essays set out the astronomical works of Nicolaus Copernicus. Two of them were published only in the 19th century. The first essay is the "Small Commentary", which briefly outlines the theory of Nicholas. A copy of this manuscript was found in the Vienna Court Library in 1877 or 1878. And a few years later, in 1881, the same notebook was found with notes of Copernicus himself. It consists of 16 sheets and was found at Uppsala University, in its library. However, it is sometimes reported that she was discovered in Stockholm.

"Epistle of Copernicus against Werner" and "On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres"

"The Epistle of Copernicus against Werner" is the second time essay by Nicholas on astronomy. This is his letter to Bernard Wapowski, rector of the Krakow Cathedral. The work is doubly interesting, as it presents the author's chronological reasoning, which is based on an analysis of the precession of stars in accordance with medieval and ancient sources. In 1543, the main book of Copernicus "On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres" was printed. The place of publication of this work is either Regensburg or Nuremberg. It contains the results of the author's observations, as well as a catalog of 1025 stars, compiled by him personally.

Copernican theory

The ideas of this scientist were very bold for their time. The world of Copernicus radically differed from the generally accepted views of his predecessors and contemporaries. Nicholas rejected the geocentric one that Ptolemy created. At the time, this was a bold move, as this model was rarely questioned. She was supported by the then very influential Catholic Church. According to it, the center of the universe is the Earth, and the Sun, the sphere of fixed stars and all the planets revolve around it. The heliocentric system of Copernicus radically diverged from this idea. The scientist believed that the Earth, like other planets, moves around the Sun. Nikolai noted that the movement of the firmament, which we observe during the day, is a consequence of the movement of our planet around its axis. The discoveries of Copernicus are set forth by him in his work On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres, which was published in the year of his death. The book was banned by the Catholic Church in 1616. Nevertheless, new ideas steadily made their way. The discovery made by Nicholas gave a powerful impetus to natural science. Many scientists subsequently turned to him.

So, we outlined the biography and discoveries of Nicolaus Copernicus briefly. As you understand, there is only a certain degree of probability that certain facts from his life are true. Recreating the biography of people who lived long before us is always difficult. However, we have tried to present the most probable information about such a person as Copernicus. Biography and his discoveries are still the subject of study by historians. Perhaps after a while they will be able to get more accurate information.

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Biography of Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543)

Short biography:

Education: University of Padua, University of Krakow, University of Ferrara, University of Bologna

Place of Birth: Torun, Poland

A place of death: Frauenburg, Poland

- Polish astronomer, mathematician: biography with photo, main ideas and discoveries, contribution to science, heliocentric system of the world, the Sun in the center.

Accepted in modern times as the father of astronomy, was born February 19, 1473. starts in Torun, Poland. He was the son of a successful merchant. After the death of his father, he was brought up by his uncle, a wealthy Catholic bishop. It was his uncle who got Copernicus into the University of Krakow, which was famous at the time for its mathematical, philosophical and astronomical curricula. Later, Copernicus studied humanities in Bologna, medicine in Padua, and law at the University of Ferrara. In 1500 he lectured on astronomy in Rome and in 1503 he graduated from Ferrara with a doctorate in canon law. Shortly thereafter, in 1507, Copernicus returned to Poland, where he was elected canonist of the church. He conscientiously fulfilled his ecclesiastical duties, but he also practiced medicine, wrote a treatise on monetary reform, and eventually turned his attention to the subject of astronomy.

Interest in astronomy eventually developed into a major interest. During its biographies Nicolaus Copernicus he worked alone, without outside help or advice. All observations were made without the use of optical instruments, because the latter were invented only a hundred years later. Nicolaus Copernicus watched from a tower located on the protective wall around the monastery. In 1530, Copernicus completed his first great work, De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium (On the Revolution of the Celestial Spheres). It was in this book that he claimed that the Earth rotates on its axis once every day and travels around the Sun during the year. It was an unimaginably fantastic idea at the time. Until the time of Copernicus, the thinkers of the Western world adhered to the Ptolemaic theory, according to which the universe was an enclosed space, limited by a spherical shell, beyond which there was nothing. They believed that the earth was the center of the universe and that the stars, planets, and sun revolved around the stationary earth. This was the famous geocentric (Earth-centered) theory. Copernicus was in no hurry to publish his book, as he was a perfectionist and believed that it was necessary to check and recheck his observations.

Thirteen years after its writing, in 1543, De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium was finally published. Unfortunately, Copernicus died a little later that year and did not learn of the great controversy he created. It is said that he apparently received the first copy of his book on his deathbed when he was dying on May 24, 1543 in Frombork, Poland. His great book went against the philosophical and religious beliefs that were planted in the Middle Ages. The Church claimed that man was created by God in his own image and therefore is the next creature after him. That is, man is above all other creatures and was not at all part of the natural world. The church was afraid that because of the teachings of Nicolaus Copernicus, people would believe that they were just part of the world, but not above it, which went against the theories of the politically powerful churchmen of those times. His work forever changed the place of man in outer space. The revelation of the heliocentric (sun-centered) theory marked the beginning of a scientific revolution and a new view of the picture of the universe.

February 19 marks the 540th anniversary of the birth of the brilliant Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (1473 - 1543), the author of the heliocentric system of the world, which revolutionized astronomical science. By this date, we bring to your attention 15 interesting facts about Copernicus.

1. Just in case, let's say right away. Copernicus was not burned at the stake by the Inquisition - otherwise, recently one has sometimes heard such curious statements. He died peacefully in his bed, while Giordano Bruno was burned.

By his main occupation, Nicolaus Copernicus was a canon (a member of the highest spiritual and administrative curia of the episcopate) at the cathedral city of Frombork, the center of Warmia, a semi-independent principality within Poland. Most biographers and researchers of his work believe that, contrary to popular legend, Copernicus did not have a priesthood.

2. Copernicus proved that the apparent movement of the Sun and stars in the sky is explained not by their circulation around the Earth, but by the daily rotation of the Earth itself around its own axis and its annual revolution around the Sun.

Prior to this, the geocentric system of the world of the ancient astronomer and mathematician Claudius Ptolemy (100 - 165 AD), which was also adhered to by the Catholic Church, was generally accepted in Europe for more than one and a half thousand years. According to it, the Sun, Moon and planets revolve around the Earth, which has a spherical shape and is the center of the universe.

3. However, the ancient astronomer Aristarchus of Samos (310 - 250 BC) spoke about the fact that the Earth actually revolves around the Sun. Aristarchus, using his own methods, measured the sizes of the Sun and the Earth. According to his calculations, the diameter of the Sun is 19 times the diameter of the Earth (in fact, 109 times). Based on this hypothesis, Aristarchus began to prove that a larger body cannot revolve around a smaller one. Contemporaries of Aristarchus considered his opinion blasphemous and expelled him from Alexandria: Aristarchus worked and studied in the famous Library of Alexandria and Museion.

Copernicus was not familiar with the heliocentric system of Aristarchus of Samos, since the story of Archimedes about it was published in Europe only after his death. But the fact that the Pythagoreans were of the opinion that the Earth is not stationary, but rotates around its axis and the central world fire, he read in Cicero and Aristotle.

4. As a young man in Padua (Italy), Nicolaus Copernicus studied to be a doctor, although he did not receive a doctorate in medicine. However, at home, he earned the fame of a very knowledgeable doctor. His fame spread far beyond Warmia. Even noble crusaders from the Teutonic Order, which bordered Varimey on three sides and constantly fought with it, aspired to be his patients.

5. In addition, Nicholas was a very close assistant in administrative and diplomatic affairs, as well as the personal physician of his uncle Lukasz Wachenrode (maternal), Bishop of Warmia. The peculiarity of Warmia was that the church authorities were there at the same time secular authorities. That is, his uncle was the head of this Polish principality, and Nicholas Copernicus was a very close associate of the ruler of the region and his assistant.

6. Copernicus also studied the laws of money circulation. He devoted several special treatises to this subject, which were never published during his lifetime. He, in particular, formulated the following economic law: "The worst money drives the best money out of circulation."

7. During the war between Poland and the Teutonic Order in 1519-1521, Copernicus had to defend the cathedral, behind the walls of which the inhabitants of Frombork burned by the crusaders were hiding, and in February 1521 even took command of the garrison of the besieged Olsztyn castle. During these events, Copernicus showed outstanding organizational talent and courage.

8. During the years of his studies in Italy, Copernicus perfectly learned the ancient Greek language. He is the author of the first translation from ancient Greek in Poland. In 1509, in Krakow, translated into Latin, “Moral, rural and love letters” by Theophylact Simocatta, a famous Byzantine writer and historian of the 7th century, translated by Copernicus, were published.

9. Such a popular political term as "revolution" came from the astronomical realm. Revolutio in Latin means "regular rotation", "reversal", "return to one's place". Especially his popularity in the natural sciences grew due to the title of the main work of Copernicus, in which he outlined his heliocentric system - De revolutionibus orbium coelestium, "On the rotations of the celestial spheres", published in 1543.

In the political sphere, this word was originally used in its metaphorical meaning as a synonym for restoration, i.e. counter-revolution (return), and only then "by contiguity", contrary to the original meaning, it began to mean a radical violent upheaval, the purpose of which is to establish a completely new order of things.

Nevertheless, it is symbolic that the work of Copernicus, which marked the beginning of a real revolution in natural science, was called so "revolutionary".

10. The main work of Copernicus went out of print in the spring of 1543, when the author was already seriously ill. Only on his deathbed did he manage to hold the main work of his life in his hands. Literally a few hours before his death, they brought him a copy of the newly printed work. Copernicus died on May 24, 1543 and was buried under the stones of the Frombork Cathedral.

11. In the Copernican model, the planets rotated uniformly around the Sun in circular orbits. Later, the great German astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) established that the planets revolve around the Sun in ellipses. This is stated by Kepler's first famous law of the three devoted to the laws of motion of the planets of the solar system: "Each planet of the solar system revolves in an ellipse, in one of the focuses of which is the Sun."

12. At first, the hierarchs of the Catholic Church calmly accepted the work of Copernicus, since the preface written by non-Copernicus stated that the hypothesis contained in the book was a “fiction”. It does not claim to be a true description of the world, but is offered only for the convenience of calculations. But Protestants were immediately hostile to the book, who were not reassured by the preface. Martin Luther himself commented on the new trends in 1539 even before the publication of the book of Copernicus: “They talk about a new astrologer who wants to prove that the Earth moves and revolves around itself, and not the sky, not the Sun and not the Moon; it is the same as if someone sits in a cart or on a ship and moves, but thinks that he remains in place, and the earth and trees move towards him. But here's the thing: if someone wants to be smart, he must invent something of his own and consider the best that he invented. The fool wants to turn the whole art of astronomy upside down. But, as the Scriptures indicate, Joshua commanded the Sun to stop, not the Earth.”

13. Only after the works and statements of Galileo, who defended the truth of the Copernican system, the book "On the Rotations of the Celestial Spheres" was included by the Catholic Church in the index of forbidden books. It was only after 1822 that De revolutionibus ceased to be mentioned in the Vatican's "List of Forbidden Books" - hundreds of years after the discoveries of Kepler, Galileo and Newton and finding direct physical evidence of the orbital and daily rotation of the Earth.

14. For scientific thinking, the idea of ​​distinguishing between what is visible and what is in reality is fundamentally important. But in science, including astronomy, this idea did not find application before Copernicus. Copernicus gave concrete form to the difference between visible and real movements. Its application literally revolutionized astronomy. Philosopher B.M. Kedrov wrote: “When the thought arises that some invisible side of things and phenomena is hidden behind visibility, which is not directly tangible, from that moment true science begins ... The first step in this direction was made by Copernicus.”

The expression “Copernican revolution” even entered into philosophical use, which began to denote scientific revolutions and radical changes in the development of scientific and philosophical ideas.

15. Meanwhile, already in the 20th century, when science experienced a new revolution, including in cosmology, ideas began to be expressed that, taking into account the new non-classical physics, in particular, Einstein's general theory of relativity, there is no fundamental difference between the systems of Copernicus and Ptolemy. This point of view was adhered to by the founder of the concept of a non-stationary (changing) Universe A.A. Friedman. He wrote: “Not only can we, sitting inside the system, establish its uniform and rectilinear motion, but we cannot decide: from two systems moving accelerated relative to each other, which is moving, and which is stationary ... It is impossible to decide who is right “Ptolemy or Copernicus, it is impossible, unless, of course, one resorts to the principles of expediency and economy of thought left in this article once and for all.” Friedman believed that it is expedient and convenient for us to think that the Earth revolves around the Sun, and as a witty illustration of this train of thought, he attracted the following lines of M.V. Lomonosov:

I will prove the truth, I have not been to the Sun.

Who saw the simpleton from the cook is like this,

Which would turn the hearth around Zharkov.

Other arguments in favor of the heliocentric system of Copernicus A.A. Friedman did not see.

The Russian religious philosophers A.F. Losev and P.A. Florensky.

However, this point is quite exotic, and it is generally accepted that Copernicus is right after all. However, science continues to develop rapidly, including cosmology. Who knows what new and amazing discoveries it will bring us yet.

What contribution did Nicolaus Copernicus make to science and to astronomy, you will learn from this article.

The future astronomer was born in 1473 in the Polish city of Torun on the Vistula. While studying at the University of Krakow, he developed an interest in astronomy. It was during his student years that he conducted his first research and began to doubt the Ptolemaic system of the world.

Nicolaus Copernicus contribution to astronomy

Before Nicolaus Copernicus, the Earth was considered the only immovable body in the Universe and the most important part of the universe. Religion taught that all heavenly bodies were specially created for the Earth and people. However, the studies and works of Nicolaus Copernicus forced science to abandon the Ptolemaic concept of the world. And that's why.

Scientist Nicolaus Copernicus put forward a revolutionary theory about what exactly The sun, not the earth, is at the center of the world. And planets move around it, including the Earth with its satellite - the Moon. Away from the solar system is the sphere of stars. In other words, the astronomer reduced our planet to the rank of an ordinary cosmic body. He explained the visible movements of stars and planets by the annual and daily revolution of the Earth around the star. The scientist first described the change of day and night, the seasons. In his work “On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres” (1543), which Copernicus dedicated to the Pope, he described the entire inconsistency of the previously prevailing idea of ​​heaven and earth. Also in the book, the genius placed tables of stars, instructions for observing the planets, useful information on spherical astronomy and trigonometry, and explained in more detail the new system of the world. After his death, Pope Gregory XIII, based on the research data of Nicolaus Copernicus, introduced a more accurate calendar - the Gregorian.

The theory of Copernicus, in comparison with the theory of Ptolemy, was simpler, more practical. Movement in the Universe, according to it, was subject to a single mechanics and general laws. The new system of the world was called the heliocentric system of the world.

In addition to astronomical research, Nicolaus Copernicus invented the hydraulic system and plumbing. The hydraulic developments of the scientist at the beginning of the 16th century were very progressive. He was the first to design the complex for the efficient use of water resources. The invention supplied water to houses, regulated the flow, ensured river navigation, used water energy for mills, filled fortress ditches and city wells with water. Today, water pipes created by him operate in Frauenburg and Grundzendz. Nicolaus Copernicus also designed for the Frombork Tower mechanical lift. In addition, the scientist is founder of the new Polish monetary system.

Nicolaus Copernicus is a great scientist who lived from 1473 to 1543 in Poland. The range of interests of Copernicus and subjects for study included a variety of things related to astronomy, physics, mathematics, economics and mechanics. His discoveries and works contributed to the development of many areas of human life and more than one scientific revolution.

The main achievements of Copernicus, known to every schoolchild, were works in natural science, in which the usual theory about the central position of the Earth in the solar system was refuted and described how the celestial bodies actually interact with each other. Unfortunately, the work entitled “On the Revolutions of Celestial Bodies” was banned for some time due to the religious beliefs of those years, however, it was not forgotten and remained one of the most brilliant creations in the field of physics and natural science.

Childhood and youth

Copernicus was born in a city called Torun. This significant event took place on February 19, 1473. Although the homeland of the scientist is Poland, his ancestors were of Germanic origin. The future genius became the fourth child. However, the Copernicans were far from poor, and the head of the family was a respected merchant, so each of the offspring received a decent education.

For the first ten years of his life, the boy grew up in complete peace, treated kindly by his parents and having everything he needed. However, life began to test the future scientist from an early age. His hometown was overtaken by a terrible plague epidemic, which flourished in those days. Copernicus Sr. was hit, and then the whole family of the boy. Left unattended, he could lose everything, but his maternal uncle suddenly decided to take part in the life of his nephew. Lukasz Wachenrodi took over the education and upbringing of Nikolai.

As a young man, in October 1491, Copernicus arrived in Krakow with the aim of adding his name to the list of applicants for the Faculty of Arts. Together with his brother, whose name was Andrzej, he successfully graduated from the university, and then went on a trip to Italy.

Nicolaus Copernicus and heliocentrism.

The emergence of a craving for science

Fate brought Copernicus to Bologna, which was famous for its educational institutions. Having become interested in jurisprudence, which was then especially popular, he decides to enroll in a faculty with the study of civil, ecclesiastical and canon law. However, despite his academic success, Nikolai began to gravitate more and more towards the natural and exact sciences, and especially towards astronomy.

The young Copernicus made the first serious step in this area in 1497, when he made his first observation in tandem with the experienced and fairly well-known astronomer Dominico Maria Novaro. As a result, it was found that the moon is approximately at an equal distance from the earth both in quadrature and during the full moon and new moon. However, this statement completely contradicted the theory put forward earlier by Claudius Ptolemy. It was this discrepancy that pushed Copernicus to new experiments and works.

Despite his many talents, Copernicus was often short of funds. At the beginning of 1498, he was approved for the post of canon of the Frombork chapter, and a little later, Nikolai's brother received the same position. However, this did not help to cope with the lack of money. The fact is that the brothers lived in Bologna, which was famous at that time for its high cost and attracted rich people from all over the world.

Left without a livelihood, the Copernicans were in a depressed state, but, fortunately, fate sent them such a person as Bernard Skulteti. He took part in their lives and helped to streamline their incomes. More than once the Polish canon will meet the brothers and help them more than once.

Deciding to travel a little, Nikolai leaves Bologna and goes to his homeland - Poland. After staying there not so long, a little less than a year, he goes to Italy and begins to study medicine. Entering the University of Padua, he quickly absorbs huge amounts of knowledge and after a few years receives a long-awaited doctorate.

Having enriched his baggage of knowledge and acquiring many different skills, he again goes to his homeland as an educated person, ready for new experiments and capable of new discoveries. Therefore, with particular interest and enthusiasm, Copernicus proceeds to continue astronomical observations, which he began in Italy. In the Polish city of Lidzbark, he was constrained by some circumstances, and in Frombork he had at his disposal not very convenient conditions for work.

However, nothing stopped the young scientist: neither the latitude of the terrain, which prevented comfortable observation of the planets, nor fogs, nor cloudy weather. Good telescopes had not yet been invented at that time., and Copernicus did not have the tools to track the time of all phenomena with absolute accuracy.

But in spite of everything the above difficulties, the scientist nevertheless published his book entitled "Small Commentary", in which he summarized the results of his experiments and observations, and also revealed the first hypotheses of his main theory. The beliefs were quite understandable and impressive, but the book was not full of mathematical proofs, which Copernicus reserved for a more voluminous essay.

This video will tell about the life of this talented person.

Life in wartime

Copernicus could not fully delve into the proof of his numerous hypotheses, since the war with the crusaders began. The scientist then again received quite a significant public position, however, unlike many other high-ranking officials, he preferred not to sit out in places remote from military battles, but to take direct part in them. Having shown remarkable courage, courage and military ingenuity, he became the commander-in-chief of the defense of Olsztyn and defended the city from the enemy.

The merits of Copernicus during the war did not go unnoticed and, and he was awarded for courage and bravery by the government of Poland. Copernicus was appointed commissioner. A little later, Nikolai moves to the post of general administrator. Since this was the highest position in which Copernicus had to be, his financial situation improved significantly, which opened up new opportunities for the scientist in conducting experiments and scientific work.

Despite the war, it was in the twenties that Copernicus led the most active research activities. During this period, the scientist made the following discoveries and experiments:

1. Conducted observations of the planets during a time called opposition. Its essence is that the planets are located at the opposite point from the Sun. This study prompted Copernicus to think about the possibility that the considered celestial bodies are in an unchanged position and do not make any movements relative to their orbit.
2. He completed the creation of his theory and fully formulated it in a book, which called into question the veracity of the statements of Claudius Ptolemy, who claimed that our planet does not leave its orbit and is located in the center of the Universe, and the rest of the celestial bodies revolve around it.
3. Confirmed the above hypothesis by complex mathematical calculations.

The works of Copernicus turned the whole scientific world upside down, after all, the opinion that the Sun and other planets move in relation to the Earth existed for more than one and a half thousand years. Nevertheless, there are some inaccuracies in the works of Copernicus. For example, he believed that all the stars are fixed and located on a huge sphere, which, in turn, is located at a very remote distance from the Earth. Such inaccuracies were due to the lack of decent equipment and good telescopes, which were invented a little later.

other hobbies

As has been repeatedly said, Copernicus was a versatile person and developed in many areas of activity. And during his studies, he continued to improve medical skills and abilities, which made him famous great doctor. His list of patients included the following:

• bishops of Warmia;
• officials and those close to the royal court of Prussia;
• Tidemann Giese - a famous geologist, as well as a prince-bishop;
• Alexander Skulteti - canon of the chapter.

It should be noted that Copernicus never refused to help ordinary people, he tried to do as much as possible for each patient. Thanks to him, people survived, looking at whose illness, many professionals of that time simply shrugged. Nikolai's contemporaries always noticed that he was not guided by the traditional prescriptions of doctors for certain situations, but rather approached the issue with his characteristic originality.

At the age of 60 Copernicus was entrusted with the duties of chairman of the building fund. Despite his age, he did not stop his scientific activity and continued his research. A year before his death, Nikolai publishes a book dedicated to the study of the sides and angles of a triangle.

Having lived a long life full of amazing discoveries, Nicolaus Copernicus died on May 24, 1543. However, the memory of him and his accomplishments still lives among us, and his works are highly valued by modern scientists and researchers.

Video

You will learn about the life of this outstanding person from this video.