Night: How Copernicus Made the Sun Stand Still and the Earth Move

Patterns in the Night Sky

On a March night in 1497, a young Nicholas Copernicus watched the moon glide across the sky and hide a distant star. When the star reappeared too soon, he knew something was wrong with the accepted science of his time. That single observation launched a lifetime of questions-and changed how we understand our place in the universe.

NIGHT tells the true story of how Copernicus challenged centuries of scientific thinking. Using only his eyes and simple instruments-no telescopes existed yet-he carefully measured the movements of planets across the dark skies above the Baltic Sea. Night after night, year after year, until the math finally worked: the sun stood still at the center, and Earth moved around it.

Young readers will discover how one curious mind and careful observation can overturn everything we think we know. With rich back matter including information about Copernicus's life, his astronomical tools, the importance of dark skies, and why scientific revolutions take time, this book brings history and science together in an engaging narrative that shows how real science happens.

About the Moments in Science Series

The award-winning Moments in Science series captures pivotal discoveries that changed our understanding of the world. Each book focuses on a specific moment when a scientist asked the right question, made a key observation, or solved a puzzle that had stumped others for centuries. Perfect for curious readers ages 6-10 and anyone who loves the stories behind scientific breakthroughs.

Perfect for:

• Elementary science curriculum (astronomy, scientific method, history of science)
• STEM education and read-alouds
• Young readers fascinated by space and the night sky
• Libraries and classrooms exploring scientific discovery
• Fans of narrative nonfiction and biography

Age Range: 6-10 years

Series: Moments in Science (Book 11)

Author: Darcy Pattison
Publisher: Mims House
Published: 07/07/2026
Pages: 34
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.69lbs
Size: 8.50h x 8.50w x 0.25d
ISBN: 9781629443355
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 05/01/2026
School Library Journal 06/01/2026 pg. 106
Booklist 06/01/2026

About the Author
Willis, Peter: - With over 20 years' experience in illustration and design, illustrator Peter Willis continues to be as enthusiastic and passionate about his work as ever. His illustrations have palpable character, bringing them to life through his craft and quirky approach. He lives in North East England with his wife and daughter. Peter illustrated THE NANTUCKET SEA MONSTER: A Fake News Story, a Junior Library Guild Selection, a 2018 NCTE Notable Children's Book in Language Arts, and translated into Korean. The Moments in Science series has received two NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, two NSSTA Notable Social Studies Books, a Junior Library Guild selection, and a starred Kirkus review. Peter Willis brings humor to the story, but he also manages to convey accurate information about matter and its physical properties.Pattison, Darcy: - Children's book author and indie publisher DARCY PATTISON has written over seventy fiction and nonfiction award-winning books for children. Five books have received starred PW, Kirkus, or BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, six NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, six Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book (CA Reading Assn.), two Junior Library Guild selections, two CLA Notable Children's Book in Language Arts, two Notable Social Studies Trade Book, three Best STEM Book, an Arkansiana Award, and the Susannah DeBlack Arkansas Children's History Book award. She's the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor's Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children's literature. Her books have been translated into eleven languages.

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