New Evidence Proves Copernicus Directly Copied Iranian Astronomical Models
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) is widely credited as the father of heliocentrism, the revolutionary idea that the Earth orbits the Sun. His book, De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium (1543), has long been regarded as the foundation of modern astronomy. However, new evidence suggests that Copernicus did not independently develop his theories but rather stole key astronomical ideas from the Persian scientist Nasir al-Din al-Tusi (1201–1274).
This article examines compelling proof that Copernicus copied exact mathematical models from Tusi without attribution, even leaving the original Persian names in his drawings. It also highlights how Western narratives have systematically erased Iran’s scientific contributions.
Who Was Nasir al-Din al-Tusi? The Iranian Genius Behind Copernicus’s Work
Nasir al-Din al-Tusi was a Persian polymath, philosopher, mathematician, and scientist who revolutionized astronomy in the 13th century. Working under Mongol rule, he established the Maragha Observatory in Iran, where he developed innovative planetary models that corrected errors in the Ptolemaic system.
Tusi’s most significant contributions to astronomy include:
- The Tusi Couple: A geometric mechanism that generates linear motion from two circular motions.
- Refined Planetary Models: He removed the problematic “equant” used in Ptolemaic astronomy.
- Comprehensive Astronomical Texts: His Al-Tadhkira fi Ilm al-Hay’a laid the foundation for later advancements.
Despite these achievements, Tusi’s name was erased from history, while Copernicus became the celebrated father of modern astronomy.
Proof That Copernicus Stole Tusi’s Ideas
Recent research reveals undeniable evidence that Copernicus copied directly from Tusi’s works:
1. The Tusi Couple Appears in Copernicus’s Work Without Credit
Copernicus’s De Revolutionibus includes an exact replication of the Tusi Couple, the same mechanism Tusi invented centuries earlier. This is not a case of independent discovery—the mathematical structure is identical.
2. Copernicus Kept Persian Names in His Diagrams
A shocking detail found in De Revolutionibus is that Copernicus left some Persian terms unchanged in his astronomical diagrams. This suggests he copied directly from an existing manuscript rather than developing the ideas himself.
3. The Transmission of Tusi’s Work to Europe
- Latin translations of Persian and Arabic astronomical texts were widely available in Europe before Copernicus wrote De Revolutionibus.
- European scholars such as Regiomontanus (1436–1476) had already studied Islamic astronomy, making it likely that Copernicus accessed these materials.
A Treatise on the Astrolabe by Tusi, Isfahan 1505. https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?curid=1247716
The Forgotten Iranian/Persian Influence on European Science
This case is part of a broader pattern in which Western scholars took credit for scientific discoveries made by Persian and Arab scientists:
- Al-Khwarizmi’s algebraic methods became “Algebra” in the West, without acknowledgment.
- Omar Khayyam’s contributions to cubic equations were later attributed to European mathematicians.
- Ibn al-Haytham’s optical theories were adopted by European scientists without citation.
- Farabi (872–950), a Persian philosopher and scientist, laid the foundations for logic, music theory, and political philosophy, influencing medieval European thought, particularly the works of Thomas Aquinas.
- Abu Reyhan Biruni (973–1048), one of the greatest Iranian polymaths, made groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy, geography, and physics. His calculations of Earth’s radius and discussions on heliocentrism preceded Copernicus by centuries. Yet, his contributions were largely ignored in Western narratives.
- Avicenna (Ibn Sina) (980–1037), a Persian physician and scientist, wrote The Canon of Medicine, which was used in European medical schools for centuries, but many of his theories were later credited to European physicians.
Tusi’s work was essential for the Copernican Revolution, yet his name was erased from history—just as many other Iranian scientists’ contributions were absorbed into Western scholarship without acknowledgment.
By restoring credit to these Iranian scholars, we acknowledge their foundational contributions to modern science, mathematics, and philosophy, correcting centuries of historical omission.
Conclusion: Copernicus Did Not Independently Discover Heliocentrism
The evidence is clear—Copernicus directly took mathematical models from Nasir al-Din al-Tusi without credit. The presence of unchanged Persian terms in Copernicus’s manuscripts proves that he had access to Tusi’s work and copied it verbatim.
It is time to rewrite history and acknowledge Iran’s pivotal role in the development of modern astronomy. Tusi, not Copernicus, should be recognized as the true pioneer of planetary motion models that paved the way for heliocentrism.
Suggested Further Reading:
- The influence of the Maragha School on Renaissance Astronomy
- Persian contributions to mathematics and physics
- The erasure of Middle Eastern scientists from Western history
By restoring credit to Iranian scientists like Tusi, we correct historical injustices and recognize the true origins of modern scientific thought.