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A Polish scientist named '''Nicolaus Copernicus''' (Polish:Mikołaj Kopernik, 1473-1543) published a model of the [[solar system]] that combined the [[heliocentrism]] of [[Aristarchus]] with the epicycles of [[Ptolemy]]. "Finally we shall place the Sun himself at the center of the Universe.  All this is suggested by the systematic procession of events and the harmony of the whole Universe, if only we face the facts, as they say, 'with both eyes open.'"  

A Polish scientist named '''Nicolaus Copernicus''' (Polish:Mikołaj Kopernik, 1473-1543) published a model of the [[solar system]] that combined the [[heliocentrism]] of [[Aristarchus]] with the epicycles of [[Ptolemy]]. "Finally we shall place the Sun himself at the center of the Universe.  All this is suggested by the systematic procession of events and the harmony of the whole Universe, if only we face the facts, as they say, 'with both eyes open.'"  

Many have misinterpreted Copernicus' theory to misattribute the [[Copernican Principle]] to him. This viewpoint states that the [[Earth]] has no special place in the universe, but this would hardly have been espoused by Copernicus.

Many have misinterpreted Copernicus' theory to misattribute the [[Copernican Principle]] to him. This viewpoint states that the [[Earth]] has no special place in the universe.

Copernicus worked for years on his book describing his theory, and published it near the very end of his life.  He entitled it, "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium" ("On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres"), and published it in 1543.  The major parts of Copernican theory are:

Copernicus worked for years on his book describing his theory, and published it near the very end of his life.  He entitled it, "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium" ("On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres"), and published it in 1543.  The major parts of Copernican theory are: