Copernicus is said to be the founder of modern astronomy. He was born in Poland,1 and eventually was sent off to Cracow University, there to study mathematics and optics; at Bologna, canon law. Returning from his studies in Italy, Copernicus, through the influence of his uncle, was appointed as a canon in the cathedral of Frauenburg where he spent a sheltered and academic life for the rest of his days. Because of his clerical position, Copernicus moved in the highest circles of power; but a student he remained. For relaxation Copernicus painted and translated Greek poetry into Latin. His interest in astronomy gradually grew to be one in which he had a primary interest.

Copernicus succeeded in convincing almost all later astronomers that the Earth rotates on an axis and revolves about the Sun. Aristarchus, an early Greek, had proposed similar ideas, but few accepted them. The ideas expressed by Copernicus were not exactly what we believe today -- for example, Copernicus used circles moving on circles to make his system work. Elliptical orbits were not recognized as possible until a century later.