And 35 sentences describe how Copernicus developed his model of the solar system and you're answer include an explanation for why his model was or was not readily accepted at the time

Nicolaus Copernicus, a Renaissance astronomer, developed his groundbreaking heliocentric model of the solar system during the early 16th century. Before Copernicus, the prevailing view was the geocentric model, which placed the Earth at the center of the universe. This geocentric perspective was deeply rooted in the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Ptolemy. Copernicus began his astronomical inquiries while studying in Italy, where he was exposed to various scientific ideas. Motivated by inconsistencies in the Ptolemaic system, especially the complex epicycles needed to explain planetary positions, he sought a more straightforward explanation.

Copernicus proposed that the Sun, rather than the Earth, was at the center of the solar system. He argued that the Earth and other planets orbited the Sun in circular paths. This new phenomenon provided a clearer understanding of the observed movements of celestial bodies. To support his theory, Copernicus meticulously collected astronomical observations over many years, utilizing both ancient data and his own calculations. He also created a comprehensive manuscript titled "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium," which laid out his findings.

Despite the clarity and mathematical elegance of the heliocentric model, Copernicus's ideas faced significant resistance when initially presented. The Earth-centric view was not only scientifically dominant but was also intertwined with religious doctrines that emphasized humanity's central place in the universe. Critics argued that if the Earth moved, it would disrupt the idea of an immutable, perfect cosmos. Moreover, Copernicus’s model did not radically improve the accuracy of predictions compared to the Ptolemaic system, making it harder for contemporaries to embrace.

Additionally, Copernicus published his work in 1543, just before his death, in a time when the scientific community was still heavily influenced by religious beliefs. Fear of contradiction with Scripture acted as a barrier to acceptance. Some astronomers were hesitant to abandon the models that were already used for precision navigation and calendar-making. Copernicus's model also relied on circular orbits, which later would be found inadequate when Kepler introduced elliptical orbits.

The educational institutions and powerful authorities preferred the established geocentric model, leading to a slow dissemination of Copernican ideas. It wasn't until decades later, with the efforts of astronomers like Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler, that the heliocentric model began to gain wider acceptance. Galileo provided experimental evidence that supported Copernicus’s theory, particularly through his observations of Jupiter’s moons and the phases of Venus. However, this acceptance came at a cost, as Galileo faced persecution for challenging the established views.

By the late 17th century, with Newton’s formulation of the laws of motion and universal gravitation, the Copernican heliocentric model gained significant credibility. Although Copernicus himself did not fully overcome the scientific and societal hurdles of his time, his contributions laid the foundation for the scientific revolution. Today, he is celebrated as one of the pivotal figures in the history of astronomy for initiating the shift toward a sun-centered understanding of the solar system, despite initially facing substantial resistance. This complex interplay of scientific inquiry, theological beliefs, and societal norms illustrates the challenges faced by pioneers of new ideas throughout history.