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Copernicus : A Renaissance Mathematician And Astronomer

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Copernicus Nicolaus Copernicus was a renaissance mathematician and astronomer. Born on February 19th 1473 in Torun, Poland. The youngest child born to Nicolaus Copernicus Sr. and Barbara Watzenrode. When Copernicus was 10 years of age, his father passed away. His uncle Lucas Watzenrode took up the parental role to ensure that Copernicus would get the best education possible for him. ` In 1491, Copernicus entered the University of Cracow, where he studied painting and mathematics. Although Copernicus did not study astronomy at this university, it is the place where he first started developing an interest in the cosmos. He graduated from the University of Cracow in 1494, he then returned to Torun where he took a canon’s position, arranged by his Uncle in the Frankfurt Cathedral. This is typically an opportunity only offered to priests. This new position allowed him to fund the continuation of his studies for as long as he liked. This job of his was very demanding however and could only go study for short periods of time when his job allowed him free time. Regardless of the lack of time, Copernicus traveled to Italy in 1496 to the University of Bologna, where he enrolled in Religious law. While studying at this university, Copernicus meets Domenico Maria Novara, an astronomer, and became a pupil of his. In 1500 Copernicus completed his studies of religious law studies in Bologna. “Copernicus’ arrival in Italy, it may be believed, refined him and cleansed him of the pollution

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