FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-038

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (March 9, 2026) – This issue of Fun with Maps reminds us even the sun can cause controversy. Science!

The Sun

Nicolaus Copernicus, son of today’s Poland, was a multi-talented man.  While he is most closely associated with astronomy, he has made major contributions to economics and was a diplomat and physician among other things.

He made his first astronomical observation on March 9, 1497.  He established a model of the universe with the sun and not the earth at its center.   His book relating to this triggered a scientific revolution.  While a similar theory was floated by the ancient Greeks, Copernicus gets the ultimate credit.

In economics, he developed the quantity theory of money.  This postulates that the general price level of goods and services is directly proportional to the amount of circulating money.  This potentially explains at least in part inflation.  So stop printing more new money…

This map of Poland by Elwe is from 1792.  The borders are not even close to today’s borders.