The heliocentric model
The heliocentric model is a theory that places the Sun as the center of the universe, and the planets orbiting around it. The heliocentric model replaced the geocentric model, which is the belief that the Earth is the center of the universe. It was not until the 16th century that the heliocentric model began to gain popularity because technology progressed enough to gain more evidence in its favor.
After Copernicus observed the geocentric model, he realized that it contained many mathematical errors. Therfore, he devised the heliocentric model, with the sun in the middle of the solar system.
Copernicus placed the Earth as the third planet from the Sun, and in his model, the Moon orbits the Earth not the Sun. Copernicus also hypothesized that the stars do not orbit the Earth; the Earth rotates, which makes the stars look like they have moved in the sky. Through the use of geometry, he was able to turn the heliocentric model from a philosophical hypothesis to a theory that did a very good job predicting the movement of the planets and other celestial bodies.
Copernicus placed the Earth as the third planet from the Sun, and in his model, the Moon orbits the Earth not the Sun. Copernicus also hypothesized that the stars do not orbit the Earth; the Earth rotates, which makes the stars look like they have moved in the sky. Through the use of geometry, he was able to turn the heliocentric model from a philosophical hypothesis to a theory that did a very good job predicting the movement of the planets and other celestial bodies.
Copernicus published his theory in his book On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Bodies.
He did so when he was on his deathbed. A reason he delayed publishing the heliocentric theory was the Roman Catholic Church. They did not approve of the idea and after Copernicus died, they tried their best to suppress the heliocentric view.
Still, Copernicus’ discovery led many astronomers to rise with their ideas, such as, Galileo, and fight the church to prove the heliocentric model correct.
He did so when he was on his deathbed. A reason he delayed publishing the heliocentric theory was the Roman Catholic Church. They did not approve of the idea and after Copernicus died, they tried their best to suppress the heliocentric view.
Still, Copernicus’ discovery led many astronomers to rise with their ideas, such as, Galileo, and fight the church to prove the heliocentric model correct.