Nicolaus Copernicus was a Renaissance mathematician and astronomer. He is famous for his formulation of a heliocentric theory of our galaxy. This theory suggested that Earth and the other planets revolved around the sun, which is at the center of our solar system. This heliocentric model was the opposite of what people previously believed, that the Sun and other planets orbited the Earth. Copernicus was a genius of his time and made a breakthrough in astronomy. He is known as the initiator of the scientific revolution. Copernicus had a rather difficult life at first, due to the loss of his father, but he still managed to succeed in life. He was born on February 19, 1473 in Poland. He was the youngest of four children. His father was a successful merchant during his lifetime, but died when Nicholas was only ten years old. This left him and his three siblings under the protection of their uncle, Lucas Watzenrode. Watzenrode was a successful cleric, who would become a bishop. He took great care of Copernicus by educating him and facilitating his advancement in the Church.N...