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2024-11-05 06:15:04

Nicolaus Copernicus

Renaissance polymath and astronomer
Nicolaus Copernicus
Nicolaus Copernicus
Renaissance polymath and astronomer

Nicolaus Copernicus, a Renaissance polymath, formulated a heliocentric model of the universe. His book, De revolutionibus orbium coelestium, published in 1543, sparked the Copernican Revolution. Copernicus, born and died in Royal Prussia, was also known for his contributions to economics and canon law.

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1386
Nicolaus Copernicus's Ancestry

Nicolaus Copernicus's great-grandfather received citizenship in Kraków in 1386, with the surname Kopernik tied to the village of Koperniki and possibly derived from the Polish word for 'dill' or the German word for 'copper'.

1453
Publication of De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium

In 1453, Nicolaus Copernicus published his groundbreaking work 'De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium' (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres), which proposed a heliocentric model of the universe.

1458
Nicolaus Copernicus's Family Moves to Toruń

Around 1458, Nicolaus Copernicus's family moved from Kraków to Toruń, a city embroiled in the Thirteen Years' War between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order.

1462
Death of Lucas Watzenrode the Elder

In 1462, Lucas Watzenrode the Elder, Barbara Watzenrode's father, passed away, marking a significant event in the family's history.

1466
Second Peace of Thorn

In the Second Peace of Thorn in 1466, the Teutonic Order formally relinquished all claims to its western province, which became Royal Prussia under the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland.

1473
Birth of Copernicus

Nicolaus Copernicus, the astronomer who formulated the heliocentric model of the universe, was born in 1473.

1473-02-19
Birth of Nicolaus Copernicus

On February 19, 1473, Nicolaus Copernicus, the influential astronomer and mathematician, was born. His work laid the foundation for modern astronomy and challenged the geocentric view of the universe.

1480
Niclas Koppernigk recorded in Thorn

Around 1480, the name of Nicolaus Copernicus' father was recorded as Niclas Koppernigk in Thorn, showing the variation in spelling of the surname during that period.

1483
Birth of Nicolaus Copernicus

Nicolaus Copernicus, the Polish astronomer, is born in Toruń, Poland (then Prussia).

1485
Orphaning of Nicolaus Copernicus

In 1485, Nicolaus Copernicus became orphaned, facing a significant event in his early life that shaped his future endeavors.

1489
Lucas Becomes Bishop

In 1489, Lucas, possibly a significant figure in Nicolaus Copernicus' life, was made Bishop.

1491-03
First Interests of Nicolaus Copernicus in Astronomy

In March 1491, Nicolaus Copernicus developed his first interests in astronomy.

1495
Leaving Kraków for Warmia

In the fall of 1495, Copernicus departed Kraków without completing his degree and went to the court of his uncle, Watzenrode, who was the Prince-Bishop of Warmia. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Copernicus's life, as he embarked on a journey that would eventually lead to his groundbreaking astronomical discoveries.

1496-10
Copernicus Arrives in Bologna

In October 1496, Copernicus arrived in Bologna, possibly with the retinue of the chapter's chancellor. He signed himself into the register of the Bologna University of Jurists' 'German nation' a few months later.

1497-03-09
Copernicus Observes Occultation of Aldebaran

On March 9, 1497, Copernicus conducted a memorable observation of the occultation of Aldebaran by the Moon in Bologna. This observation verified certain peculiarities in Ptolemy's theory of the Moon's motion.

1497-08-23
Nicolaus Copernicus starts growing interest in Astronomy

After initially studying painting and mathematics at the University of Krakow, Nicolaus Copernicus began to develop an interest in Astronomy.

1497-10-20
Copernicus Succeeds to Warmia Canonry

On October 20, 1497, Copernicus formally succeeded to the Warmia canonry by proxy, which had been granted to him two years earlier. He later added a sinecure at the Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross and St. Bartholomew in Wrocław.

1498-08-15
Observation of New and Full Moon Tables

Nicolaus Copernicus most likely used his first observation to check the new and full moon tables, which were used in the Novaras forecast.

1500-03-04
Observation of Saturn and the Moon conjunction

Copernicus observed a conjunction of Saturn and the Moon on 4 March 1500.

1500-11-06
Observation of Lunar Eclipse

In Rome during the jubilee year 1500, Copernicus observed a lunar eclipse on the night of 5–6 November 1500, continuing his astronomical work from Bologna.

1501-03-30
Return to School

Nicolaus Copernicus went back to school in 1501.

1503-01-10
Copernicus Adds Sinecure at Collegiate Church

On January 10, 1503, Copernicus added a sinecure at the Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross and St. Bartholomew in Wrocław. This document was dated at Padua.

1503-05-31
Granting of Doctorate in Canon Law

In Ferrara, on 31 May 1503, Copernicus was granted the degree of Doctor of Canon Law after passing examinations, marking a significant academic achievement.

1506
Nicolaus Copernicus works as a canon in the bishopric of Frombork

In 1506, Nicolaus Copernicus started working as a canon in the bishopric of Frombork.

1508-11-29
Copernicus Granted Papal Indult

On November 29, 1508, Copernicus was granted a papal indult to receive further benefices. However, he did not acquire additional prebends and higher stations in his ecclesiastic career.

1512-05-10
Publication of Little Commentary

Nicolaus published Little Commentary, a pamphlet proposing the Earth revolves around the sun, known as the Heliocentric theory. The church opposed this idea.

1512-11-08
Assumption of magister pistoriae role in Warmia chapter

Before November 8, 1512, Copernicus took on the responsibility of magister pistoriae, overseeing the economic enterprises of the Warmia chapter, demonstrating his administrative capabilities.

1514-04-11
Nicolaus Copernicus's Heliocentric Theory

In 1514, Nicolaus Copernicus developed his Heliocentric Theory after observing the sky, proposing that the Earth is not the center of the universe and that the Sun is near the center. He advocated for a shift from the geocentric to the heliocentric model.

1515
Discovery of Earth's eccentricity and solar apogee movement

In 1515, Copernicus made observations of Mars, Saturn, and the Sun, leading to the discovery of the variability of Earth's eccentricity and the movement of the solar apogee in relation to the fixed stars. These observations prompted his first revisions of certain assumptions of his system.

1516
Completion of Copernicus' Commentariolus

In 1516, Nicolaus Copernicus completed his work 'Commentariolus', which introduced a heliocentric model of the universe. Although not officially published, it circulated among scholars, presenting seven postulates that revolutionized the understanding of planetary motion.

1520-01
Destruction of astronomical instruments during Teutonic Order raid

In January 1520, Copernicus's astronomical instruments were likely destroyed during a raid against Frauenburg by the Teutonic Order, causing a setback to his astronomical observations.

1522
Copernicus begins writing 'De revolutionibus orbium coelestium'

Copernicus begins writing his book “De revolutionibus orbium coelestium” (“On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres”).

1532-11-08
Completion of De revolutionibus orbium coelestium

Nicolaus Copernicus finished his observations of the sky and applied them to mathematics to identify the structure of the universe. He completed his book 'De revolutionibus orbium coelestium' (The Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres) during this time, but chose not to publish it.

1533
Presentation of Copernican system to the Pope

In 1533, Johann Widmanstetter explained Copernicus's heliocentric system to Pope Clement VII and two cardinals. The Pope was impressed and rewarded Widmanstetter. This event marked an important step in the acceptance and dissemination of Copernicus's revolutionary ideas.

1537-07-01
Death of Prince-Bishop of Warmia Mauritius Ferber

Prince-Bishop of Warmia Mauritius Ferber passed away on July 1, 1537. This event led to Copernicus participating in the election of his successor, Johannes Dantiscus.

1537-09-20
Election of Johannes Dantiscus as Prince-Bishop of Warmia

Johannes Dantiscus was elected as the successor to the Prince-Bishop of Warmia on September 20, 1537. Copernicus was one of the candidates, but Dantiscus ultimately secured the position with the support of Poland's King Sigismund I.

1538
Copernicus Relinquishes Wrocław Sinecure

In 1538, Copernicus relinquished the Wrocław sinecure despite having been granted a papal indult earlier. It is uncertain whether he was ever ordained a priest.

1539-06-04
Martin Luther's remark on Copernicus

During a dinner conversation in 1539, Martin Luther expressed skepticism towards Copernicus's ideas, emphasizing his belief in the biblical account of Joshua commanding the sun to stand still.

1541-10-16
Philipp Melanchthon condemns Copernicanism

In 1541, Philipp Melanchthon strongly criticized Copernicus's theory, advocating for its suppression by authorities and dismissing it as a 'crazy thing' that goes against established beliefs.

1541-10-30
Georg Rheticus claims credit for the Heliocentric hypothesis

On October 30, 1541, when the Heliocentric hypothesis was published, Nicolaus Copernicus' name was not credited. Instead, Georg Rheticus claimed the fame for the hypothesis.

1542
Publication of De revolutionibus

In 1542, Copernicus agreed to publish his book 'De revolutionibus' with the persuasion of mathematician Rheticus and publisher Petreius before his death. This publication of his radical idea greatly contributed to the field of astronomy and marked the beginning of the Scientific Revolution.

1543
Publication of Copernicus' heliocentric theory

In 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus published his groundbreaking work proposing a heliocentric model of the universe, challenging the prevailing geocentric view. This theory placed the Sun at the center of the solar system, with the planets, including Earth, orbiting around it.

1543-04-11
Death of Nicolaus Copernicus

On April 11, 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus passed away.

1543-05-24
Publication of 'De revolutionibus orbium coelestium'

Nicolaus Copernicus published his most significant work, 'De revolutionibus orbium coelestium' ('On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres'), just before his death on May 24, 1543. This work argued for the heliocentric model of the universe.

1545
Denunciation of Copernicanism by Giovanni Maria Tolosani

Giovanni Maria Tolosani, a Dominican theologian-astronomer, wrote a treatise denouncing Copernicanism in 1545, criticizing its scientific basis and methodology.

1546
Death of Bartolomeo Spina

After the death of Bartolomeo Spina in 1546, the cause against Copernicanism fell to his friend, Giovanni Maria Tolosani.

1551
Publication of Prussian Tables by Erasmus Reinhold

In 1551, eight years after Copernicus's death, astronomer Erasmus Reinhold published the Prussian Tables, based on Copernicus's work, under the sponsorship of Copernicus's former military adversary, the Protestant Duke Albert.

1561
Copernicus's book incorporated into University of Salamanca's curriculum

Copernicus's book was included in the scholarly curricula at the University of Salamanca in 1561, becoming one of the four textbooks that students of astronomy could choose from. It later became mandatory in 1594.

1615-04-12
Cardinal Robert Bellarmine condemns Copernican theory

In a letter to a Catholic defender of Copernicus, Cardinal Robert Bellarmine condemns the heliocentric theory, stating that the sun revolves around the earth. He argues that this interpretation is supported by the Holy Fathers and various biblical passages.

1616
Inclusion of Copernicus' De revolutionibus in Index Librorum Prohibitorum

In 1616, Copernicus' 'De revolutionibus' was put on the Index Librorum Prohibitorum.

1616-03-05
Congregation of the Index's decree against Copernicanism

On March 5, 1616, the Congregation of the Index issued a decree against Copernicanism, marking a significant event in the history of the controversy surrounding the heliocentric theory.

1837
Copernicia

Genus of palm trees native to South America and the Greater Antilles, named after Copernicus in 1837. Some species have leaves coated with carnauba wax.

1871
Germany becoming a nation-state

Germany became a nation-state in 1871, long after Nicolaus Copernicus' time, highlighting the complexity of assigning a modern nationality to historical figures.

1976
The Copernican Achievement

In 1976, a book titled 'The Copernican Achievement' edited by Robert Westman was published. It discusses the impact and significance of Copernicus' contributions to astronomy.

1995
Nicolaus Copernicus Prize

Established by the City of Kraków, this prize has been awarded since 1995 to individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields.

2007
Portraits of Copernicus: Copernicus's face reconstructed

Using facial reconstruction based on his located skull, an image of Copernicus was created, giving a glimpse into his appearance.

2008-11-03
Discovery of Copernicus's Remains

In August 2005, a team led by Jerzy Gąssowski discovered what they believed to be Copernicus's remains beneath Frombork Cathedral. The announcement of the discovery was made on November 3, 2008, after further research and forensic analysis.

2010-05-22
Copernicus's Second Funeral

On May 22, 2010, Copernicus was given a second funeral in a Mass led by Józef Kowalczyk, where his remains were reburied in Frombork Cathedral. A black granite tombstone now identifies him as the founder of the heliocentric theory.

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Nicolaus Copernicus
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