Copernicus, who lent his name to our journal, was the first modern astronomer. He lived around 500 years ago in Poland. He was the first who openly stated that the Earth, like the other planets, revolved around the Sun. He even wrote a book about it, with the Latin title “De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium”, which means: On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres. Copernicus’ book, first published in 1543, turned the world of science upside down and started a completely new way of looking at the world and the universe.

De Revolutionibus in Copernicus' own handwriting, finished shortly before his death.

Copernicus’ book was an immense step forward. Five hundred years later, we may find it hard to understand why. We take his ideas for granted. Yet, for the people living then the Earth was the centre of God’s Creation. For them, it was a truly frightening idea that we might live on just another planet orbiting around the Sun. Even more so because this idea was strictly forbidden by the Roman Catholic Church. In fact, many people who doubted the official church doctrine had been thrown in jail, tortured, or even burned at the stake.

Nicolaus did not risk his life, however. Mainly because he was no longer alive when his book made an impact on 16th century Europe. He lived just long enough to see the printed pages when they arrived from the printer in German Nuremberg. A few days later he died a happy man.

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