Nicolaus Copernicus Quotes about Earth

The massive bulk of the earth does indeed shrink to insignificance in comparison with the size of the heavens.

The massive bulk of the earth does indeed shrink to insignificance in comparison with the size of the heavens.

Heaven, Doe, Earth

Nicolaus Copernicus (1978). “On the revolutions”

Moreover, since the sun remains stationary, whatever appears as a motion of the sun is really due rather to the motion of the earth.

Nicolaus Copernicus

Earth, Sun, Remains

Nicolaus Copernicus (1978). “On the revolutions”

Among the authorities it is generally agreed that the Earth is at rest in the middle of the universe, and they regard it as inconceivable and even ridiculous to hold the opposite opinion. However, if we consider it more closely the question will be seen to be still unsettled, and so decidedly not to be despised. For every apparent change in respect of position is due to motion of the object observed, or of the observer, or indeed to an unequal change of both.

Nicolaus Copernicus

Science, Opposites, Earth

Nicolaus Copernicus (1976). “On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres”, David & Charles Publishers

We regard it as a certainty that the earth, enclosed between poles, is bounded by a spherical surface.

Nicolaus Copernicus

Earth, Surface, Certainty

Nicolaus Copernicus (1978). “On the revolutions”

In so many and such important ways, then, do the planets bear witness to the earth's mobility.

Nicolaus Copernicus

Important, Mobility, Earth

Nicolaus Copernicus (1978). “On the revolutions”

Accordingly, since nothing prevents the earth from moving, I suggest that we should now consider also whether several motions suit it, so that it can be regarded as one of the planets. For, it is not the center of all the revolutions.

Nicolaus Copernicus

Moving, Earth, Suits

Nicolaus Copernicus (1978). “On the revolutions”

Hence I feel no shame in asserting that this whole region engirdled by the moon, and the center of the earth, traverse this grand circle amid the rest of the planets in an annual revolution around the sun. Near the sun is the center of the universe. Moreover, since the sun remains stationary, whatever appears as a motion of the sun is really due rather to the motion of the earth.

Nicolaus Copernicus

Moon, Circles, Earth

Nicolaus Copernicus (1978). “Nicholas Copernicus on the revolutions”