Introduction
The first substantial change in humanity’s ‘cosmic perspective’ occurred when Polish mathematician and astronomer Nicolas Copernicus developed a new model of the universe in the late 16th century (Pruett 11). Copernicus’s work challenged the then-dominant geocentric theory formulated by Ptolemy who believed that the Sun and planets revolved around the Earth. Another radical shift in people’s perception of the cosmos was brought about by Edwin Hubble who proved the existence of galaxies that cannot be seen by Earth-based telescopes, thereby further expanding people’s understanding of the universe (Schultz 24).
This paper aims to discuss the contributions of the two scientists to the change in humanity’s ‘cosmic perspective.’ The paper will also explore how their views were perceived by the scientific community, religious groups, and society in general.
Discussion
The formulation of the new and radical view of the cosmos by Copernicus occurred in the years when European astronomy experienced a major reform ushered in by the expansion of global trade that relied on the use of precise navigation tools. Copernicus studied closely the works of European astronomers such as Peurbach and Regiomontanus as well as Pythagorean mathematics in the University of Cracow (Pruett 19). The scientific background allowed him to formulate the basics of the heliocentric system in his first work that written in 1514, which was almost 40 years before the publication of his groundbreaking manuscript titled “On the Revolutions of Heavenly Spheres” (Pruett 20). The scientist knew that even though his radical model of the universe provided “a simple explanation for the retrograde motions of the planets” (Pruett 20), it would be perceived extremely negatively by the Church because it demoted humanity to a humbler position in a cosmic hierarchy. During his lifetime, he was continuously mocked by the scientific community. Even though he was not officially punished for heresy, religious authorities and groups of regular citizens who espoused geocentric views severely criticized his work. The Copernican revolution gained significant traction only in the early 17th century when Tycho, Kepler, and Galileo provided the observational evidence supporting the heliocentric model (Pruett 21).
Another breakthrough in the humans’ understanding of the universe was achieved by an American astronomer, Edwin Hubble in 1923 (Schultz 24). The astronomer used the Hooker Telescope, which was the largest astronomical tool at the time, to study the Andromeda nebula. The scientist wanted to compare the brightness of novae that had been previously discovered in the Andromeda nebula to the absolute brightness of novae within the Andromeda Galaxy to measure its distance (Schultz 25). However, he learned that the nebula was not a part of the Milky Way because it consisted of numerous clouds of stars (Schultz 25). The astronomer’s contribution to humanity’s understanding of the universe was highly recognized by the scientific community and society in general during his lifetime.
Both changes in humanity’s ‘cosmic perspective’ are similar because they revolutionized the way people think about their place in the universe. Also, Copernicus and Hubble’s breakthroughs became possible through careful observations supported by sound mathematical theories. However, unlike heliocentric theory that helped to determine the Earth’s real position in the universe, Hubble’s discovery led to the realization that the universe is much bigger than was previously believed.
Conclusion
It is not a stretch to conclude that the changes in humanity’s ‘cosmic perspective’ ushered in by the discoveries of Copernicus and Hubble were equally important and paved the way for new cosmic explorations and triumphs.
Works Cited
Pruett, Charles. Reason and Wonder: A Copernican Revolution in Science and Spirit. ABC-CLIO, 2012.
Schultz, David. The Andromeda Galaxy and the Rise of Modern Astronomy. Springer, 2012.