In what year did Copernicus publish his heliocentric theory?

Nicolaus Copernicus published his heliocentric theory in 1543, a groundbreaking shift in the understanding of the universe that posited the sun at the center rather than the Earth. This idea challenged the long-held geocentric model, which placed the Earth at the center of the universe and was widely accepted due to the influence of ancient astronomers like Ptolemy.

Copernicus's work, primarily found in his book "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium" (On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres), laid the foundation for future astronomical discoveries and eventually sparked the scientific revolution. The timing of this publication is significant as it represented a major turning point in science, moving away from medieval views and embracing a framework that encouraged observation and inquiry.

Understanding the timeline of Copernicus's work is crucial in studying the evolution of scientific thought and the eventual acceptance of heliocentrism by later astronomers such as Galileo and Kepler. This key event marked the beginning of a shift toward modern astronomy and changed how humanity perceives its place in the universe.