Biography of Copernicus Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Biography of Copernicus - Research Paper Example After attaining the age of eighteen, Copernicus was sent for further studies in the University of Bologna (Weatherly 47). His uncle had excellent connections not only in Poland, but also in other foreign countries around Europe. This made it easier for him to secure Copernicus’s place at the prestigious University of Bologna. Astronomy was widely considered as one of the most important subjects of study among priests and clerics. Roman Catholics believed that astronomy would enhance the priests’ abilities to forecast the future. Additionally, it was considered as an essential area of knowledge for interpreting events. This ensured that Copernicus gad to study astronomy. While at the University of Bologna, Copernicus also studied mathematics and advanced sciences. It is during his time in Italy that he questioned some heliocentric principles that had been formulated by other scholars. This formed an excellent basis of his research. He learnt a lot from his professor at the university and also applied this knowledge in his research work after moving back to Poland. His findings and theoretical formulations on the heliocentric model were not published until a few days to his death in 1543 (Andronik 69). While his findings had some flaws, they were immensely crucial towards future studies in astronomy and earth sciences at large. The contributions of Copernicus to astronomy are evident in his heliocentric theory. Within the framework of this theory, Copernicus stipulated that the earth revolves around the sun. This is one of the most significant aspects of astronomy. During the 1400s and 1500s, people believed that the earth was the center of the universe. However, the extensive research work of Copernicus was instrumental towards addressing this misconception. At first, this stipulation was considered as highly controversial. However, additional research and studies by other scientists helped in validating