In 3-5 sentences, describe how Copernicus developed his model of the solar system. In your answer, include an explanation for why his model was, or was not, readily accepted at the time

Nicolaus Copernicus developed his heliocentric model of the solar system by observing the motions of celestial bodies and recognizing their movements could be explained more simply if the Sun, rather than the Earth, was at the center. He meticulously calculated the positions of planets, noting that the retrograde motion of planets could be attributed to Earth's own motion. However, his model was not readily accepted at the time due to several factors, including the strong adherence to the geocentric Ptolemaic system, philosophical and religious beliefs that placed humans at the center of the universe, and a lack of empirical evidence to challenge the established view. Additionally, Copernicus's model introduced the idea of circular orbits, which still did not align perfectly with observed planetary motions, leading some to remain skeptical.