In the reading, i found Copernicus particularly interesting. Before Copernicus, everyone believed that the earth was the center of the universe and that all attention of god and the universe was centered on the earth. it was believed that angels guided the planets around their orbits and god oversaw the whole thing, and intervened whenever he felt necessary. Then Copernicus came along. He believed that the earth was not at the center of the universe, but in fact the sun was at the center. that all things revolved around the sun and that the earth was in fact not the center of all attention. He strongly believed in his theory and believed it could be supported with sufficient evidence, but he didn't publish his findings and works until the day of his death, because of his fear of the Catholic Church. Copernicus marked the start of the scientific revolution, and many great astronomers would build on his discoveries.
A very brief history of his life:
He was born in Torun, Poland in 1473. He studied astronomy for the first time at University of Cracow, 1491-1494. Elected canon of the cathedral chapter of Frombork. He Matriculated in 1496 as part of his requirement as canon at the University of Bologna studying canon and civil law. Also worked as an assistant to the professor of astrology and mathematics. Studied medicine at the university of Padua from 1501-3, then moved to University of Ferrara to obtain doctorate in Canon law in 1503. 1514, Copernicus created his own theory on motion of planet and where the earth was located in the universe. 1530-40, his reputation as a skilled spread and he shared his theories and ideas with many scholars. His reputation even reached the ears of the pope. He published his theories in a book: On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres in march 1543, just a month before his death.
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