The Revolutionary Theory of Heliocentrism By Nicolaus Copernicus
By Amirali Banani
My theory states that the sun is at the centre of the universe (today, we know that it is only the centre of our solar system) and that the Earth as well as all the other planets revolve around it in circular paths (although, now we know that they are elliptical paths). This cosmological model that I have proposed opposes Geocentrism, which theorizes that the Earth is at the centre of the universe. What inspired my theory of the Heliocentric System was my conception that the planets orbit circularly around the sun; the idea that the Earth — besides orbiting the sun annually — also spins once daily on its axis; and that very gradual changes in the direction of this axis caused by the gravitational influence of the sun account for the precession of the equinoxes. I mean, let’s face it, what else can explain how the equinoxes and the four seasons occur?
The Original Heliocentric Model of The Universe
Above is the cosmological model that I have invented which demonstrates the Heliocentric System. The sun is positioned at the centre of the universe, and the Earth as well as all the other planets orbit around it in circular paths, adjusted by epicycles, and revolving at uniform velocities.
The short lines of text on each circular orbit path state the duration in which it takes each planet to revolve around the sun. Since I have written them in Latin, I have translated the text into English and explained what it says below.
Beginning from the closest circular orbit to the farthest one from the sun, it states: Mercury takes 30 days to revolve around the sun; Venus takes 9 months; Earth takes 1 year together with the lunar orbit; Mars takes 2 years; Jupiter takes 12 years; and finally, Saturn takes 30 years (Uranus and Neptune were unknown at the time). The outermost circular path is called the “Fixed Stars” sphere which is an immense circular region that surrounds the planets and is occupied by billions of motionless stars.
Proving The Theory of Heliocentrism
I tried to prove my theory of Heliocentrism by suggesting that the Earth’s rotation around its axis accounted for the rise and setting of the sun and that the cycle of seasons was caused by the Earth’s revolutions around the sun. Originally, however, philosophers and astronomers alike rejected my theory as they found it extremely difficult to believe that the Earth was constantly in motion. Thankfully, over half a century after my death, the legendary Italian astronomer, Galileo Galilei, cleverly proved my theory of Heliocentrism using nothing less than his very own invention, the telescope. He discovered four moons orbiting Jupiter, which was proof that objects could only be orbited by smaller objects than themselves — meaning that it was impossible for the Earth to be at the centre of the universe. Furthermore, Galileo observed and analyzed the phases of Venus (similar to the phases of the Moon), which indicated that the planet orbits around the sun. These key discoveries by Galileo have validated my theory that the planets, including Earth, orbit the sun — not the other way around. For all the priceless evidence that he provided to solidify my theory, I am eternally grateful to him.
I am very proud of establishing the concept of the Heliocentric System as it has changed the way that scientists and astronomers understand the universe as well as the design of our solar system. In fact, my theory of Heliocentrism has potentially reformed science and the course of history as much of modern astronomy and astrology is based on it. My theory has discredited many people’s conceptions about the universe and caused a revolution in astronomy. Improved mathematical models describing the physics of planetary systems and the broader universe have been proposed, while many more propitious discoveries about the universe have been made — all of which my theory lays the foundation for. Such advancements can further enhance the knowledge of scientists and astronomers, leading to inventions that can potentially elevate humanity and take us to new heights in space exploration.
Donec iterum conveniant,
Nicolai Copernici