Nicolaus Copernicus

Nicolaus Copernicus (in Latin; Polish Miko?aj Kopernik, German Nikolaus Kopernikus); February 19, 1473 – May 24, 1543) was a Polish astronomer, mathematician and economist who developed the heliocentric (Sun-centered) theory of the solar system in a form detailed enough to make it scientifically useful. His main occupations and services rendered were in Royal Prussia as church canon, governor and administrator, jurist, astrologer and as a doctor. Astronomy was actually a byproduct, a hobby of his. His theory about the Sun as the center of the Universe, opposed to the traditional geocentric theory (that placed Earth at the center), is considered one of the most important discoveries ever, and is the fundamental starting point of modern astronomy and modern science itself (it inaugurated the scientific revolution). His theory affected many other aspects of human life as well, opening the door to young astronomers everywhere to challenge the dogmas and never take anything at face value.

Reference

• David C. Goodman and Colin A. Russell, eds. The Rise of Scientific Europe 1500-1800 (Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent: Hodder & Stoughton : The Open University, 1991)
• Thomas Kuhn, The Copernican Revolution: Planetary Astronomy in the Development of Western Thought (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1957).