The Problem of the Planets

The publication of Nicholas Copernicus' ON THE REVOLUTIONS OF THE HEAVENLY SPHERES in 1543 is often thought to mark the beginning of a revolution not only in astronomy, but in Western thought more broadly construed.

Co-taught by a physicist and a philosopher, this course will explore the scientific, historical, and philosophical implications of Copernicus's proposal, with special emphasis on his solution to the age-old problem of planetary motion.

In the process, it will offer students the opportunity to work with some of the unique materials in the Library's Department of Special Collections.

Course Syllabus (PDF)

Group Assignments (PDF)

Astronomy Books Online

Copernicus

De revolutionibus orbium coelestium [On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres]. Norimbergae: apud Ioh. Petreium, 1543. 6, 196 numbered leaves, tables, diagrams.

Brahe

Astronomiae instauratae mechanica [Instruments for the Restoration of Astronomy]. Noribergae: apud L. Hvlsivm, 1602. 107 unnumbered pages, illustrations, map, plans.

See Note on Typography for guidance with reading and transcription.

Links

Copernicus' De revolutionibus

• Autograph manuscript
• WebExhibits translated text

Brahe's Mechanica

• Smithsonian digital edition
• 1598 edition (with translations)
  The Royal Library, Denmark

Other Books Online

• ADS Virtual Library
  (NASA Astrophysics Data System)