Astronomer · 1473 – 1543
Nicolaus Copernicus
Little-Known Facts
- Fearing controversy, Copernicus delayed publishing his great work until the year of his death.
- Legend says he received the first printed copy of his book on his deathbed.
Myths & Misconceptions
Was Copernicus the first to suggest the Earth moves?
Ancient thinkers like Aristarchus had proposed it, but Copernicus developed the first detailed, mathematical heliocentric model that could rival the Earth-centered system.