Kopernikus#550

The “Copernican Revolution” represents an immensely important new finding
in the history of humankind. The notion that the Earth orbits the Sun, and
thus that the Earth was no longer to be regarded as the center of the
Universe, broke with the prevailing worldview and was to have far-reaching
consequences.
Now, on the 550th anniversary of Nicolaus Copernicus’ birth (19th February
1473 – 24th May 1543), the Westpreußische Landesmuseum and the Copernico
Portal remember the man to whom we owe this discovery – the canon,
diplomat, and physician, who went on to become a world-famous astronomer.

The Copernican Revolution – a European legacy?

Introduction

The 550th anniversary of Nicolaus Copernicus’ birth invites us to look at the mark that the astronomer left on the world. And it is also an opportunity to look more closely at how Copernicus has been viewed in the past and how these anniversaries have been treated differently in different periods...

Important locations in Copernicus’ life

Varmia and Northern Italy

Map and text

Nicolaus Copernicus rose to fame due to his interest in the stars. But where did he spend his life on Earth? Most of his sites of activity are found in present-day Poland, and many of them also relate to German history.

The Copernican World View

Introduction

Copernican Heliocentrism

Introduction

Nicolaus Copernicus was cautious about sharing his conviction that the planets rotate around the Sun, and only did so over the course of several decades. He was reluctant to cause a major turning point or revolution – and, initially, his teachings were not seen in this way either.

The Copernican network

Friends, followers, and successors

Map and text

Despite living in relative isolation, Copernicus maintained a number of significant contacts during his time as a scholar and cleric. Astronomers from many parts of Europe carried on his work after his death.

Instruments and methods

An image gallery on Copernican astronomy

Picture gallery

At the time of Copernicus, how did astronomers work? Despite being relatively simple, the instruments and methods were constantly improving.

Copernicus as a contested European heritage

Introduction

Copernicus: A contested European legacy

Introduction: The politics of Copernicus from the 19th century to the present day

Over the past two centuries, discussions about Copernicus have played a key role in German-Polish relations. The years commemorating the anniversaries of the astronomer’s birth and death crystallized the debates.

Background article

The Copernicus anniversary year of 1973 in West Germany

In West Germany, the Copernicus anniversary was coordinated and organized centrally. A lot of effort was put in to ensure that the celebrations would have a wide-reaching impact. Organizations representing those displaced from East and West Prussia played a special role in the celebrations.

Background article

The Copernicus anniversary year of 1973 in East Germany

In East Germany, the Copernicus anniversary was marked by a range of ceremonies and receptions. The aim was to highlight positive relations between Germany and Poland, with Copernicus being presented as a pioneer for the socialist state’s worldview.

Background article

The Copernicus anniversary year of 1973 in the Polish People’s Republic

The Polish celebrations to mark the anniversary of Copernicus’ birth in 1973 were widespread and impacted science, the general public, and international relations. An expensive feature movie about the life of Copernicus was one of the main features of the celebrations.

Commemorating Copernicus

Contested, reinterpreted, exploited

Map and text

Since the 19th century, numerous Copernicus monuments have been built around the world. Even today, new sites of remembrance honoring the astronomer emerge, especially in Poland. Each site has a unique agenda, narrative, and background.

The many names of Nicolaus Copernicus

A glossary

Introduction

What is the name of the astronomer who introduced the heliocentric worldview? In principle, there can only be one answer to this question. But, when it comes to the actual spelling of the name Copernicus, it varies massively depending on where you look.

In Copernicus’ name

Societies, associations, foundations

Map and text

These days, there are a whole host of organizations in Poland, Germany, and the USA bearing the name Copernicus. Although they all relate to the same historical person, they have quite different goals.

Edited by

Westpreußisches Landesmuseum (West Prussian State Museum)

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Copernico editorial team

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