Nicolaus Copernicus’ Theory of Heliocentricity, 1533 by hadassah | Sep 25, 2008 | Ottoman Period Nicolaus Copernicus Nicolaus Copernicus (February 19, 1473 – May 24, 1543) was the first astronomer to formulate a scientifically based heliocentric cosmology. In 1533 Copernicus presented his hypothesis of heliocentricity to Pope Clement VII.