Element 112 has been officially added to the Periodic Table as "copernicium," in honor of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.
Copernicus deduced that the planets revolved around the Sun, and finally refuted the belief that the Earth was the centre of the Universe.
The team of scientists who discovered the element chose the name to honour the man who "changed our world view". [...]
"After IUPAC officially recognised our discovery, we agreed on proposing the name (because) we would like to honour an outstanding scientist," said Professor Hofmann.
Previously on Neatorama: Element 112 to be Officially Added to the Periodic Table