Biography of Copernicus - Research Paper Example

Biography of Copernicus School: Copernicus: Biography and Contributions to Astronomy Biography Copernicus is among the most renowned astronomers and mathematicians of all time. Born in 1473, he rose to prominence because of his exceptional contributions to astronomy and science at large (Sakolsky 17). His father was a wealthy merchant, and his mother came from a well-off background. Copernicus was the lastborn in the family of four. His life changed immensely when Copernicus Senior died while he was very young.

His maternal uncle took over the responsibility of raising him. The entire family was highly religious. This is why Copernicus was enrolled into priesthood studies by his uncle at an early age. After attaining the age of eighteen, Copernicus was sent for further studies in the University of Bologna (Weatherly 47). His uncle had excellent connections not only in Poland, but also in other foreign countries around Europe. This made it easier for him to secure Copernicus’s place at the prestigious University of Bologna.

Astronomy was widely considered as one of the most important subjects of study among priests and clerics. Roman Catholics believed that astronomy would enhance the priests’ abilities to forecast the future. Additionally, it was considered as an essential area of knowledge for interpreting events. This ensured that Copernicus gad to study astronomy. While at the University of Bologna, Copernicus also studied mathematics and advanced sciences. It is during his time in Italy that he questioned some heliocentric principles that had been formulated by other scholars.

This formed an excellent basis of his research. He learnt a lot from his professor at the university and also applied this knowledge in his research work after moving back to Poland. His findings and theoretical formulations on the heliocentric model were not published until a few days to his death in 1543 (Andronik 69). While his findings had some flaws, they were immensely crucial towards future studies in astronomy and earth sciences at large. Contributions of Copernicus to AstronomyThe contributions of Copernicus to astronomy are evident in his heliocentric theory.

Within the framework of this theory, Copernicus stipulated that the earth revolves around the sun. This is one of the most significant aspects of astronomy. During the 1400s and 1500s, people believed that the earth was the center of the universe. However, the extensive research work of Copernicus was instrumental towards addressing this misconception. At first, this stipulation was considered as highly controversial. However, additional research and studies by other scientists helped in validating the claims and findings of Copernicus as pertains to the earth’s position.

Modern astronomy is strongly based on the numerous findings outlined by Copernicus in his research work while in Italy and also in Poland. His penchant for mathematics and science was also instrumental in the formulation of the various principles in the heliocentric theory. For instance, his findings helped in establishing that the sun’s position from different planets is characterized by variations. This has been a vital platform for advancements in astronomy and also in rocket science at large (Weatherly 19).

Based on the heliocentric theory, it is also evident that the earth is characterized by distinctive motions. These motions are vital in terms of numerous astronomic patterns across the universe. The work of Copernicus has also been massively helpful towards the advancement of aviation across the globe (Sakolsky 70). Numerous processes and principles in aviation are based on heliocentric theory as developed by Copernicus. ReferencesAndronik, Catherine. Copernicus: Founder of modern astronomy. Enslow Publishers, 2009Sakolsky, Josh.

Copernicus and modern astronomy. New York, NY: The Rosen Publishing Group, 2004Weatherly, Myra. Nicolaus Copernicus: Father of modern astronomy. Capstone Publications, 2005