The Copernican Turn

The Copernican Turn refers to a major shift in scientific thinking initiated by Nicolaus Copernicus in the 16th century. Before this, the Earth was considered the center of the universe (geocentric model). Copernicus proposed that the Sun, not the Earth, is at the center (heliocentric model), and Earth rotates and orbits the Sun. This change challenged long-held views, transforming astronomy and our understanding of our place in the cosmos. The "turn" signifies a fundamental rethinking—from viewing Earth as the universe's center to recognizing our planet as part of a larger, dynamic system.