Nicholas Copernicus   1473—1543   Polish astronomer, mathematician and economist   Developed heliocentric (Sun-centered) theory of the solar system   Former geocentric theories placed Earth at center of the universe   Copernicus’s theory provided starting point for modern astronomy   Introduced to astronomy while studying at University of Krakow   Also studied law and medicine in Italy   Became assistant to Domenico Novara a famous astronomer   Proposed heliocentric theory in small book in 1514   Calculated that the Earth revolved around the sun once a year and turned on its axis daily   Also correctly gave the order of the known planets   Explained seasons by tilting of Earth’s axis   His major work “On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres” published 1543 the year of his death

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