Nicolaus Copernicus, commonly known as Copernicus, was a Polish mathematician and astronomer who played a crucial role in the history of science. Born in 1473 in Toruń, Poland, he is best known for developing the heliocentric model of the universe, which placed the Sun at the center rather than the Earth.

Copernicus studied at the University of Kraków and later at the University of Bologna, where he became interested in astronomy and mathematics. He also spent time in Italy, studying law and medicine. However, his passion for the stars led him to pursue astronomical research throughout his life.

In 1543, he published his most famous work, De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres). This book proposed that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun, challenging the long-held geocentric view supported by ancient philosophers like Ptolemy and the Church.

Although his ideas were not widely accepted during his lifetime, they laid the foundation for future astronomers such as Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler. The Copernican Revolution marked a turning point in scientific thought, leading to the development of modern astronomy and physics.

Despite his groundbreaking contributions, Copernicus lived a relatively quiet life, working as a church official and physician. He died in 1543, just days after the publication of his seminal work.

Today, Copernicus is remembered as one of the most important figures in the Scientific Revolution. His theories changed the way humans understand their place in the universe and continue to influence scientific inquiry to this day.