Nicolaus Copernicus contribution to science. Who is Nicolaus Copernicus: discoveries and scientific activities

Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) is a famous Polish astronomer, the author of the system of heliocentric creation of the world, which became the beginning of scientific revolutionary changes in the concept of the universe.

The childhood of Copernicus takes place on the territory of the Kingdom of Prussia, in the city of Torun, in the family of a wealthy merchant, while a lady of German origin becomes the mother of the scientist. An interesting fact is the establishment of the nationality of Copernicus, over which disputes are ongoing to the present, since the constant change in state borders during the Middle Ages does not allow for certain to establish belonging to a particular nation. But Copernicus himself presents himself as a Polish citizen, while his works are presented exclusively in Latin and German, and not in Polish.

The initial interest in astronomical science manifested itself in Copernicus during the period of his studies at the cathedral institution of the city of Wlotslavsk at the suggestion of a teacher named Vodka. Then, while studying at the University of Krakow, Nikolai was engaged in astronomy for more high level attending lectures and seminars of eminent professors.

After receiving a university education, Copernicus enters the service of his uncle, who had the title of bishop, and two years later he goes to continue his studies at the University of Bologna, choosing to study the basics of canon church law. Here Copernicus masters the Greek language, is fond of painting and continues to engage in his favorite astronomy.

The turning point in the fate of Copernicus is his acquaintance with the scientist Domenico Maria Novara de Ferrara, with whom the young researcher conducts the first astronomical experiment, making a conclusion about the controversial central role of the planet Earth in the universe.

After graduating from the University of Bologna, Nicholas continues his studies in Padua, after which, having received the title of Doctor of Canon Law, he is engaged in medical activities, and later, after the death of his uncle, he begins to perform church duties, continuing astronomical observations, and also teaching.

At this time, Copernicus was developing a work related to the monetary reform in Poland, as a result of which a new system of coins was introduced in the state, and he also set about writing the main creation in his life, which has as its main idea a reflection of the idea of the rotation of the Earth around the solar orbit, which became a breakthrough in astronomical science.

In addition, the main life achievements of Copernicus are the design of a water supply system using a hydraulic machine, as well as participation in the fight against the plague epidemic and in the negotiation processes during the war between the Poles and the Teutons.

The family life of Copernicus is absent, since he belongs to Catholic priests, however, in adulthood, Nicholas comes to the first and last love for Anna Schilling, the daughter of his close friend, with whom he lives for some time in a civil marriage, and then, at the request of the bishop's authority, breaks up.

Detailed biography

Nicolaus Copernicus is one of the leading Polish scientists of the Renaissance. He was engaged in such sciences as mechanics, astronomy. The scientist put forward his heliocentric theory, substantiating it and refuting the theory of the ancient Greeks.

Origin and education

Copernicus was born in 1473 in the Polish city of Turon, which became Polish just shortly before his birth.

Nicholas had two sisters and an older brother who became his faithful companion. They visited many places together, studying at the best universities.

The family lived well enough until the plague began, and the father of the family died, and soon the mother also died. At this time, they were sheltered by their maternal uncle.

In 1491, he studied at the University of Krakow, where he began to study various subjects, especially astronomy. After graduating from university, he wants to devote his life to the clergy.

Then he continues his studies with his brother: in Rome, where he improved his knowledge in astronomy and medicine. With a teacher, he begins to constantly watch the stars. At this time, he came up with the idea to create his own model of the geocentric system.

spiritual career

After studying in Rome, he returns to his native land, where he becomes an assistant to his uncle, who served as a bishop. And he deepens his knowledge of astronomy more and more.

When his uncle died, he moved to Frombok, where he began to take on the usual duties of a cannon, and astronomy faded into the background. It was during this period that he began the creation of the heliocentric system of the world.

Poland remembered the contributions of Copernicus not only to astronomy, but he also:

developed several economic laws that helped to carry out monetary reform in Poland;
worked as a doctor and took measures to combat the plague;
created a system that can supply water to all houses in Frombork,

He devoted about 40 years to such an extensive astronomical work, there were many rumors about this work.

Personal life

No longer in young age Copernicus fell in love with Anna for the first time. Catholics in the ministry were prohibited from marrying, so Anna lived with him as a relative.

But soon the girl left, because she could no longer live in such conditions.

last years of life

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Aristotle

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It is impossible to say unequivocally who Copernicus is. It is believed that this is a theorist, astronomer, 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 official biography 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 life path Nicholas 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 learned and 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, as if by a special decree of the bishop, was forbidden to appear in Frombork, 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 refers to 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 "tricvetra", 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 a very influential at that time 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.

Nicolaus Copernicus was able to freeze and set in motion in the minds of his contemporaries. The researcher has turned ideas about the structure of the universe. Biography, main ideas and the impact of the scientist's discoveries on today's science, Interesting Facts about Copernicus - for your information.

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short biography

Little Nicholas was born on February 19 in the city of Thorn, which is now called Torun and is located on the territory of Poland. The question in which country the scientist was born, Prussia or Poland, causes controversy among researchers. The fact is that the borders of these states are constantly changing.

Childhood and youth

The future researcher was the fourth child in a wealthy merchant family. He was very friendly with his older brother Andrzej. Subsequently, while getting an education, young people will travel around half of the best universities in Europe, become comrades-in-arms and great friends.

The fate of the future scientist-researcher was influenced by a number of circumstances, the country where Nicolaus Copernicus was born, and the conditions in which he lived. In 1482, the father fell victim to a severe plague epidemic that crippled Europe, and by 1489 the child was left an orphan - his mother died. The family was left without property and means of subsistence. The children were raised by Lukasz Watzenrode, an uncle on the maternal side.

The guardian was a rather stern man, a priest of the local diocese, but the uncle became very attached to the child and came to grips with his education. Lukas had a doctorate in canon law, and then received the office of bishop. Brilliant for the time, it allowed him to take extra classes with his nephew to prepare him for further studies.

In 1491, Nikolai and his brother Andrzej began their student life at the Jagiellonian University under the patronage of their uncle.. The Faculty of Arts of the city of Krakow became the starting point on the path of becoming a researcher. After graduating from the university, the young man planned further education, but Lukasz Watzenrode did not have the money for this.

In 1487, in order to earn money for his education, the young specialist accepts in absentia the position of canon in his uncle's diocese. He and his brother, on the fee received in advance, go to study church law. In Bologna (Italy) in 1496, Nicholas first became acquainted with astronomy, a science that later became his life's work, thanks to the teacher Domenico Maria Novara.

Attention! The University of Bologna became the site of the first decisive step of Nicolaus Copernicus on the path of new discoveries, and 1497 was the year of the first astronomical observation.

The results of a fateful study were the first steps towards the creation new system based on observations of the full and new moon. The young scientist realized that the distance between the natural satellite and the Earth was equal when passing these points, which indicated the movement of the night star in a circle.

The scientific activity of Copernicus, hobbies, research were very versatile. Nikolay was engaged in painting, studied the Greek language, studied mathematics. After graduating from the University of Bologna, the young scientist taught the exact sciences to the people of the high society of Rome, helped Pope Alexander VI to comprehend astronomy.

Social work

1506 marked the end of education. At the age of 33, Nikolai received a medical, ecclesiastical and theological education and the position of a churchman from Frombork.

1512 turned out to be a year of losses. Brother Andrzej falls ill with leprosy and leaves the city, Lukasz Watzenrode dies, and the scientist becomes a canon of the Fraenburg cathedral. After 1516, Nikolai received the honorary position of Chancellor of the city of Olsztyn. Here he shows himself to be a brilliant military strategist, taking command in the war against the Crusaders.. The fortress managed to survive with a significant superiority of enemy forces..

By 1521, the scientist returned to serve in the diocese of Frombork. The talent of the inventor helped Nikolai build a hydraulic machine that provided water to all the houses in the city.

The scientist also did not leave his passion for medicine. After retiring in 1531, in order to focus on writing the main book, he provided medical assistance to all those in need free of charge, helped many people cope with ailments. In 1519, the scientist fought the plague epidemic.

Scientific developments

Nicolaus Copernicus was absorbed in his main ideas and discoveries all his life. He spent 40 years writing the main work of his life "On the rotation celestial bodies”, invaluable for the development of astronomy. He scrupulously collected information, data from his observations, systematized information, compiled tables, and made amendments. He completed work on the book 3 years before his death.

The position of canon allowed him to simultaneously engage in scientific research. For astronomical observations, the scientist equipped the tower of the Frombork fortress.

The discoverer of the doctrine of the heliocentric system was lucky not to meet persecution from the adherents of dogmatism. The Copernican theory was an important step in the history of science, making a real revolution in the best minds of that time. The views of the scientist for that time were very radical, but he lived a fairly quiet life.

Important! The doctrine of the motion of celestial bodies was banned and declared heresy only in 1616, much later than the death of its author, by which time the theory had already spread widely throughout Europe.

The idea of the heliocentric system was developed by a young scientist closer to 1500. The theory had a lot of supporters. Among like-minded people, the researcher distributed the Commentariolus manuscript, where he outlined a brief essence of his hypothesis.

The scientist died of a stroke in his native Frombork in 1543. Last months Copernicus' health was critical. He suffered paralysis of one half of his body and was in a coma before his death.

The last years of Copernicus' life

We list interesting facts about Copernicus

The position of canon, as a church figure, assumed a vow of celibacy. Fascinated by science, Nikolai at first did not attach any importance to this. In 1528, being a mature man, he suddenly fell in love with Anna, the daughter of his friend Matz Schilling from his native city of Torun. The girl soon had to leave the scientist because of the discontent of the Church.
The grave of the researcher was considered not found until the heyday of genetics and the corresponding examination in 2005. Frombork, which meant a lot to the scientist, became the last refuge.
The year 1535 was marked by the recognition of the work of the researcher by the church, this was facilitated by the Pope himself. The truths that Copernicus revealed to the world were at first favorably perceived by the ministers. Afterwards, conservative religious leaders saw the doctrine as a threat to existing dogmas.
A meteorite and an element are named after the researcher.
In Torun, Frombork there are museums dedicated to his memory.
Throughout life, Nikolai was accompanied by a faithful student named Retik, who helped conduct research, published works, and was a good friend.
The discoverer would hardly have seen the first edition of the work of a lifetime, but friends brought him a printed copy.

Description of the theory

The book "On the rotation of celestial bodies" consists of 6 volumes, where the author described his ideas about the device:

the first is devoted to proving the spherical shape of the Earth and the Universe;
the second talks about the rules for calculating the location of celestial bodies;
the third part describes the annual cycle of the Earth's motion;
the fourth tells about the satellite of our planet, the Moon;
the fifth tells about the properties of celestial bodies in general;
the sixth is about the causes of changes in latitudes.

The book "On the rotation of celestial bodies"

The main ideas of the heliocentric system can be briefly described in 7 theses:

There is no common center of rotation for all celestial bodies.
The earth is not the center of the world.
The stars are motionless on the surface of the sphere that bounds the Cosmos.
The earth rotates on its own axis and around the sun.
The trajectory of the movement of celestial bodies is a circle.
The distance between the Sun and the stars is immeasurably greater than the distance of the luminary from the Earth.
The movement of the Sun observed from the Earth is a consequence of the rotation of the planet itself.

Later, the teachings of Copernicus were supplemented by Johannes Kepler, who calculated that the trajectory of the movements of celestial bodies is not a circle, but an ellipse. It was also found that the stars are not at all devoid of motion.

Attention! Now the main ideas of Nicolaus Copernicus do not look so revolutionary, but for the 16th century they were an important step in the development of astronomy, they changed the ideas of people of that time about the greatness of the world, the mysteries of nature, and the place of man in the universe. These were important discoveries, given the dominant geocentric theory of the era.

Polish university

The inhabitants of Poland are proud of the achievements of their compatriot, who lived 4 centuries ago. There is a Nicolaus Copernicus University in the city of Toruna, which trains young scientists. The educational institution was founded in 1945 and ranks fifth in terms of prestige among other universities in Poland. University classrooms equipped the latest technology. The university opened its doors to future doctors, chemists, biologists, physicists, astronomers, mathematicians and artists.

Nicolaus Copernicus Biography

Nicolaus Copernicus and heliocentrism

Output

Any educated person knows perfectly well who Copernicus is, the scientist lived a long life, managed to change the worldview of people on the planet, made an invaluable contribution to astronomy. His revolutionary discoveries became the basis for the development of modern science. Nicolaus Copernicus lived a long life and left an indelible memory of himself.

Biography

early years

Torun: the house where Copernicus was born

The question of the ethnicity of Copernicus is still the subject of a (rather unpromising) discussion. His mother was German (Barbara Watzenrode), the father's nationality is unclear. Thus, ethnically, Copernicus was German or half German, although he himself may have considered himself a Pole (by territorial and political affiliation). He wrote in Latin and German, not a single document in Polish written by his hand has been found; after the early death of his father, he was brought up in a German family by his mother and uncle. Niccolò Komneno Popadopoli spread the unproven - and, according to modern historians, invented by himself - story that Copernicus allegedly enrolled at the University of Padua as a Pole. It should be noted that the concept of nationality in those years was much more vague than today, and some historians suggest that Copernicus be considered a Pole and a German at the same time.

In the Copernicus family, besides Nicholas, there were three more children: Andrei, later a canon in Warmia, and two sisters: Barbara and Katerina. Barbara went to a monastery, and Katerina got married and gave birth to five children, to whom Nicolaus Copernicus was very attached and took care of them until the end of his life.

Bust of Copernicus in Krakow

Having lost his father as a 9-year-old child and remained in the care of his maternal uncle, Canon Luke ( Lucas) Watzenrode (Watzelrode), Copernicus entered the University of Krakow in 1491, where he studied mathematics, medicine and theology with equal zeal, but he was especially attracted to astronomy.

To continue his education, Copernicus leaves for Italy () and enters the University of Bologna. In addition to theology, law and ancient languages, he also has the opportunity to study astronomy there. It is interesting to note that one of the professors in Bologna was then Scipio del Ferro, with whose discoveries the revival of European mathematics began. Meanwhile, thanks to the efforts of his uncle, in Poland Copernicus is elected in absentia as a canon in the diocese of Warmia.

Death

A. Lesser. Death of Copernicus

The book of Copernicus has remained as an outstanding monument of human thought. From that moment dates the beginning of the first scientific revolution.

grave

The location of Copernicus' tomb remained unknown for a long time, but in November 2008 DNA analysis confirmed the discovery of his remains.

Scientific activity

heliocentric system

Celestial spheres in the Copernican manuscript

Title page of "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium"

In the preface to the book, Copernicus writes:

Considering how absurd this teaching must seem, I hesitated for a long time to publish my book and thought whether it would not be better to follow the example of the Pythagoreans and others, who transmitted their teaching only to friends, spreading it only by tradition.

The Nuremberg theologian Osiander, to whom Rheticus entrusted the printing of Copernicus's book, out of caution provided it with an anonymous preface in which he declared the new model a conditional mathematical device invented to reduce calculations. At one time, this preface was attributed to Copernicus himself, although he resolutely refused to make such a reservation in response to Osiander's request. The preface is followed by a letter of praise from Cardinal Schoenberg and a dedication to Pope Paul III.

In structure, the main work of Copernicus almost repeats the Almagest in a somewhat abridged form (6 books instead of 13). The first part speaks of the sphericity of the world and the Earth, and instead of the position of the immobility of the Earth, another axiom is placed - the Earth and other planets rotate around an axis and revolve around the Sun. This concept is argued in detail, and the "opinion of the ancients" is convincingly refuted. From heliocentric positions, he easily explains the return motion of the planets.

The second part provides information on spherical trigonometry and the rules for calculating the apparent positions of stars, planets and the Sun in the firmament.

The third talks about the annual movement of the Earth and precession (precession of the equinoxes), and Copernicus correctly explains it by displacement earth's axis, because of which the line of intersection of the equator with the ecliptic moves.

In the fourth - about the Moon, in the fifth - about the planets in general, and in the sixth - about the reasons for changing the latitudes of the planets. The book also contains a star catalog, an estimate of the size of the Sun and Moon, the distances to them and to the planets (close to true), the theory of eclipses.

Assumption I: The sun is the center of the universe and, therefore, is motionless. Everyone thinks that this statement is absurd and absurd from a philosophical point of view, and besides, it is formally heretical, since its expressions in many respects contradict the Holy Scripture, according to the literal meaning of the words, and also conventional interpretation and understanding of the Church Fathers and teachers of theology.
Assumption II: The Earth is not the center of the universe, it is not motionless and moves as a whole (body) and, moreover, makes a daily circulation. Everyone thinks that this position deserves the same philosophical condemnation; in terms of theological truth, it is at least wrong in faith.

original text(lat.)

Propositio I: Sol est centrum et omnino immobilis motu locali. Censura: omnes dixerunt dictam propositionem esse stultam et absurdam in philosophia et formaliter hereticam, quatenus contradicit expresse sententiis sacrae Scripturae in multis locis, secundum proprietatem verborum et secundum expositionem et sensum SS, Patrum et theologorum doctorum. Propositio II: Terra non est centrum mundi nec immobilis, sed secundum se totam movetur etiam motu diurno. Censura: omnes dixerunt hanc propositionem recipere eandem censuram in philosophia et spectando veritatem theologicam ad minus esse in fide erroneam..

The most famous consequence of this decision in the 17th century was the trial of Galileo (1633), who violated the church prohibition in his book Dialogues Concerning the Two Chief Systems of the World.

Contrary to popular belief, the very book of Copernicus " ”was formally banned by the Inquisition for only 4 years, but was censored. In 1616, it was listed in the Roman Index of Prohibited Books, marked "before correction." The required censorship amendments, which had to be made by the owners of the book for further use, were made public in 1620. These corrections mainly concerned statements from which it followed that heliocentrism is not just a mathematical model, but a reflection of reality. Many copies of the first (Nuremberg,), second (Basel,) and third (Amsterdam,) editions have been preserved, which belonged, in particular, to famous astronomers and other historical figures, in which the owners complied with censorship regulations with varying degrees loyalty: from completely obscuring the required fragments of Copernicus and inscribing the recommended text, to completely ignoring the prescriptions. About 2/3 of the surviving copies from Italy have been corrected by their owners, while the vast majority of copies from other countries have not been corrected. The Spanish Index of Prohibited Books explicitly allowed the book. Interestingly, copies of the second and third editions were brought to China by Jesuit missionaries in 1618 during the formal prohibition. The book was removed from the Roman Index of Prohibited Books in 1835. .

Other achievements in astronomy

Copernicus was one of the first to express the idea of universal gravitation. One of his letters says:

I think that heaviness is nothing but a certain desire with which the divine Architect endowed the particles of matter so that they would unite in the form of a ball. The Sun, the Moon, and the planets probably have this property; to him these luminaries owe their spherical shape.

He confidently predicted that Venus and Mercury had phases similar to those of the moon. After the invention of the telescope, Galileo confirmed this prediction.

Economy

Copernicus was the first to draw attention to the regularity known as the Copernican-Gresham Law (independently discovered also by the English banker Thomas Gresham). According to this principle, money that is more stable in its exchange rate (for example, gold) will be forced out of circulation, as people will accumulate savings in it, and “worse” money (for example, copper) will participate in real circulation.

List of works

N.C. Medita XV. Augusti anno domini MDXVII.,
Tractatus de monetis,
Monetae cudendae ratio,
De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium- Nuremberg, Germany:

perpetuation of memory

Monuments

Named after Copernicus:

Notes

Literature

Compositions

Copernicus Nicholas. On the rotation of the celestial spheres. Per. I. N. Veselovsky. Moscow: Nauka, 1964.

About him

Ambartsumyan V. A. Copernicus and modern astronomy. Report at the Anniversary Meeting of the General Meeting of the USSR Academy of Sciences, dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the birth of N. Copernicus, March 6, 1973. Bulletin of the USSR Academy of Sciences, No. 5, 1973, pp. 46-56.
A. V. Akhutin The Copernican Innovation and the Copernican Revolution. In the book: A. V. Akhutin Struggling about being. M.: RFO, 1997, p. 181-243.
Bely Yu. A. Copernicus, Copernicanism and the Development of Natural Science. IAI, Vol. XII, p. 15.
Veselovsky I. N., Bely Yu. A. Copernicus, 1473-1543. Moscow: Nauka, 1974.
Gerasimenko M.P. Nicolaus Copernicus is an outstanding economist of the era of early capitalism. Kyiv: Publishing House of the Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, 1953.
Grebenikov E. A. Nicholas Copernicus. Moscow: Nauka, 1982.
Dmitriev I. S. The Temptation of Saint Copernicus: The Unscientific Roots of the Scientific Revolution. Publishing House of St. Petersburg University, 2006.
Idelson N.I. Studies in the history of celestial mechanics. Moscow: Nauka, 1975.
Levin A. The Man Who Moved the Earth // Popular Mechanics. - 2009. - № 6.
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543). On the 400th anniversary of death. M.-L.: Ed. Academy of Sciences of the USSR, 1947.
Engelgardt M. A. Nicholas Copernicus. In the book: Copernicus. Galileo. Kepler. Laplace and Euler. Quetelet. Biographical narratives (F. Pavlenkov's library, volume 21, pp. 5-73). Chelyabinsk, "Ural", 1997.
Dmitriev I. S.

Copernicus was the first to prove the failure of the ancient ideas about the universe. His work was a breakthrough in astronomy. We decided to remember and tell who Nicolaus Copernicus is.

Biography of Copernicus - briefly

February 19, 1473 the fourth child was born in the merchant family of Barbara Watzenrode and Nicolaus Copernicus. The baby was named after his father. Torun, the Prussian city where the family lived, became part of the Kingdom of Poland in 1466. The answer to the question in which country Copernicus was born is obvious - in Poland. Ethnic origin is difficult to establish. It is known that the mother is German, the father had either Polish or German roots.

Both parents died when Nikolai was 10 years old. The children remained in the care of their uncle Lukash, who served as a canon. Until his death, the future scientist was accompanied by his elder brother Andrei. With the suggestion of an educator, the brothers studied theology, Greek, mathematics, medicine and astronomy at several universities in Europe.

Copernicus, as evidenced by his short biography, received a diploma only in 1503. The Krakow University did not give him the document. Other educational establishments Nikolai threw himself. Having received degree in Italy, began to practice medicine in the city of Ferrari. In 1506 he returned to Poland. Uncle Lukash was already a bishop and made his nephew his confidant.

The activity of the clergyman in the biography of Nicolaus Copernicus does not prevent him from doing science. After the tutor's death in 1512, he moved to Frombork and assumed the duties of a canon.

One of the towers of the fortress is used as an observatory. Here he brings together experience and thought. Nikolai actively discusses the model of the world with friends and is closely engaged in writing a book. He reveals ideas in letters. They served as a synopsis for writing the "Small Commentary on Hypotheses Relating to Celestial Motions."

Copernicus burned at the stake

Some people believe that Nikolai Nikolaevich fell victim to the courts of the Inquisition. There is such an opinion, but it has no basis. How did Copernicus really die?

The model proposed by the scientist is not perfect, but more simple than that of its predecessor, Ptolemy. It is considered a revolutionary step in science. The theory spread rapidly in the 1520s, even before the paper edition. Thanks to the student Rheticus, six books with the discoveries of Copernicus were published in 1543.

Whether the author saw these publications remains an open question. In May of that year, he died of a stroke. For the fact that the theory was promoted and developed by the followers of Copernicus, they were burned at the stake. Nikolai Nikolaevich himself escaped this fate. He simply did not live to see the time when the courts of the Inquisition crept up to his writings.

The books contradicted established ideas and church canons, but they were only recommended to be edited. Many publishing houses did not respond to the recommendations, they released the text in full. Even after the official ban in 1616, the Copernican theory was used to calculate the motion of the planets.

Heliocentric system of Copernicus

The new astronomical model of the world is described in the following statements:

The absence of a common center for orbits and spheres;
The sun is the center of the orbits of all the planets, hence the world; Earth is the center of the Moon's orbit;
the movement of the sun is an effect of the movement of the earth;
the distance to the Sun is small relative to the distance to the fixed stars.

Nicolaus Copernicus, if we turn to his brief biography, has other discoveries. In one of the works, the author speaks of universal gravitation. He presents heaviness as "a kind of aspiration" and suggests that all spherical celestial bodies have this property.

In economics, the Copernicus-Gresham law is known. Two scientists, independently of each other, drew attention to the dependence of the circulation of money on the amount of savings. People accumulate more valuable (for example, gold), and the worst (copper) money is in circulation.

The principle served as the basis for the development of a new monetary system in Poland.

Copernicus Museum in Warsaw

The museum was opened in 2005. About 450 interactive exhibits are on display. In particular, there is a planetarium, where the heliocentric model of the world is clearly demonstrated. In 2010, the institution received a new title. It all started with the opening of a robotics workshop.

Now this building in Warsaw is called the Copernicus Science Center. It is the largest scientific center in Poland and one of the largest in Europe. In 2011 technopark, chemical, physical and biological laboratories were opened. Objects for studying by children and youth have been allocated, meetings are held aimed at popularizing science.

In Warsaw, the Copernicus Museum was divided into several thematic parts:

The roots of civilizations- the gallery will tell about the history of mankind. Technologies allow you to plunge into the depths of centuries, to carry out archaeological excavations, to create models of legendary buildings, to put on several experiments;
man and Environment – the robotic collection represents the structure of the human body on an enlarged scale;
the sky of Copernicus– heliocentric system of the world of Copernicus;
zone of light– will dedicate the observer to the laws of optics;
world in motion- you can see the birth of some natural phenomena or feel their effects.

There are many shortcomings in the scientific and philosophical ideas of N. Copernicus. However, they prompted subsequent scientists to create a more perfect model of the world. It is no accident that the achievements of Nikolai Nikolayevich are considered a revolutionary step in scientific circles.

By the way, why do you think the intermediate stage between speculation and knowledge is so important in our development? Write in the comments.