![Copernicus’ work De revolutionibus orbium coelestium.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/kopernikus-titel-300x225.jpg)
Copernicus the heretic
Nicolaus Copernicus is considered one of the founders of modern astronomy. His heliocentric planetary model unleashed an outcry in Reformation circles, especially in Switzerland.
![Copernicus observes the heavens in Rome.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/kopernikus-300x193.jpg)
Animation of the Copernican planetary model from De revolutionibus orbium coelestium. More information about the animation can be found at: thomasweibel.ch
![Manuscript of De revolutionibus orbium coelestium.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/buch-221x300.jpg)
![Portrait of Huldrych Zwingli.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/zwingli-wissenschaft-270x300.jpg)
![Portrait of Niclaus Copernicus, 17th century.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/kopernikus-portrat-257x300.jpg)
![Portrait of Jean Calvin.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/calvin-233x300.jpg)
![Portrait of Pope Paul III, painted by Tiziano Vecellio, 1546.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/papst-230x300.jpg)