Nicolaus Copernicus

Mathematician and Astronomer — Heliocentric Model (1473–1543)

Copernicus proposed that the Sun, not the Earth, lies at the center of the known planetary system. His revolutionary heliocentric model, presented in De revolutionibus orbium coelestium, reoriented astronomy and eventually enabled the Scientific Revolution.

While initially controversial, Copernicus’ model simplified planetary motion and inspired later astronomers — including Kepler and Galileo — to refine the laws of planetary motion.

“Finally we shall place the Sun himself at the center of the Universe.”

Copernicus transformed humanity’s place in the cosmos, replacing geocentric certainty with a new astronomical perspective that defined modern science.