NHAS LogoNew Hampshire Astronomical Society

 

February 19th in Astronomy and Space Science
Birth1473Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus born. He was the first to present convincing arguments that the Earth orbited the Sun and not the other way around. Existing Ptolemaic theory held that the Moon and Sun orbited the motionless Earth, and that Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn were situated beyond the Sun (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto had not yet been discovered). The problem was with Venus and Mercury. Ptolemy placed them closest to the Sun while other astronomers held that they were beyond the Sun. Copernicus realized that neither situation explained their motions correctly, and the only thing that did was if the Sun were motionless with all the planets, including the Earth orbiting it. This was considered heresy as it placed the imperfect and changeable Earth amongst the perfect and unchanging heavens. For this reason, publication of the theory was delayed 36 years, until 1543, the year of his death.
Manned Spaceflight1986Russia launches the core module, the first component of the Mir space station.
Home Page
Join Us
Event Calendar
Newsletter
Library Telescope Program
NHAS Gear
Club Observatory
Resource Guide (PDF)
Scope Buying Advice
Skywatches
Contact Us
Constitution & Bylaws
Neighboring Clubs
Acknowledgements
Member's Area (login may be required)
Annual Dues
Forums
YFOS Map
Club Assets

Officer's Area (login required)
NHAS Administration
©2025 New Hampshire Astronomical Society • P.O. Box 5823 • Manchester, NH 03108-5823