Copernicus, Nicolaus
Copernicus, Nicolaus (1473-1543), Polish astronomer, best known for his astronomical theory that the sun is at rest near the center of the universe, and that the earth, spinning on its axis once daily, revolves annually around the sun. This is called the heliocentric, or sun-centered, system. See Astronomy ; Solar System . Copernicus was born on February 19, 1473, in Thorn (now Toruń), Poland, to a family of merchants and municipal officials. Copernicus's maternal uncle, Bishop Łukasz Watzenrode, saw to it that his nephew obtained a solid education at the best universities. Copernicus entered Kraków Academy (now Jagiełłonian University) in 1491, studied the liberal arts for four years without receiving a degree, and then, like many Poles of his social class, went to Italy to study medicine and law. Before he left, his uncle had him appointed a church administrator in Frauenberg (now Frombork); this was a post with financial responsibilities but no priestly duties. In January 1497 C...