388-315 B.C.

Greek Philosopher and Astronomer

Heraklides of Pontus was one of the many early scientists to come from ancient Greece. An astronomer, Heraklides made many important observations during his life, and may have been one of the first to suggest that some of the other planets (although probably not Earth) revolve around the Sun. This was a major departure from the thinking of the day and, in fact, it would not be until the time of Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) that this would again be suggested.

Like so many others born over two millennia in the past, virtually nothing is known of Heraklides's early life. In fact, very little is known about his life at all, with the exception of some of his cosmological observations.

Apparently, in addition to his musings on philosophy, Heraklides spent a great deal of time watching the skies...