Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543), Polish astronomer, shown during his later years. Copernicus recognised that the cosmology proposed by Ptolemy over a
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543), Polish astronomer, shown during his later years. Copernicus recognised that the cosmology proposed by Ptolemy over a thousand years before was becoming inadequate to explain the motion of the celestial bodies. He developed in full mathematical detail a new heliocentric cosmology in which the Sun was at the centre of the Universe with planets and stars orbiting about it in circular orbits. Copernicus, fearing religious persecution, hesitated to reveal his ideas but in 1543 they were published in his book 'De Revolutionibus Orbium Celestium' (The Revolution of the Heavenly Spheres). His book was banned by the Church from 1616 until 1835. This is a rare late-16th to early-17th century copperplate engraving.
Size: 3409px × 5308px
Photo credit: © PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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