Nicolaus Copernicus made the groundbreaking discovery in 1514 that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun, contradicting the prevailing view that the Earth was the center of the universe. He used science and mathematics to explain the orbits of each planet and how long it takes for them to revolve. This discovery was vitally important because it allowed for an accurate solar system model and calendar, which we now rely on for predicting seasons, sending spacecraft, and tracking the passage of time.

1. Nicolaus Copernicus1473 – 1543 C.E.By: A.J. Kaywood Earth, Sun, and Stars

2. “Finally we shall place the Sun himself at the center of the Universe” - Nicolaus Copernicus

3. The Solar System Nicolaus Copernicus started off as young man studying Greek and Arab astronomy looking through a simple telescope at the night sky. Subsequently in 1514, Copernicus made an astonishing discovery. He discovered that the Earth and all other planets revolve around the Sun; he explained how they did this with science and mathematics and how long it took. His work also described the shapes of each planet’s orbit and how they were different. Before his remarkable discovery astronomers thought that the Earth was the center of the Universe and that all other planets (and the Sun) revolved around it.

4. The Importance and Influence of Copernicus’s Discovery This discovery is important because without it, we might be still thinking that the Earth was the center of the universe and never really understand the truth about our solar system. We also would not have an accurate calendar that states that the earth (while spinning on its axis) revolves around the Sun 1 time every 365 ¼ days. Imagine what life would be like without knowing all the things we rely on a calendar for. Understanding the solar system has many influences on our life. We now know how all the planets revolve around the Sun and how long it takes. Imagine trying to send a robot to Mars without being able to predict where Mars is. We also use the calendar to track when seasons begin and end, holidays occur, and the accurate tracking of the passing of time. Copernicus was responsible for explaining all these and more. He is now known as the “Father of Astronomy”.