Element 112 is Named Copernicium

Element 112, which has been going by the name "Ununbium", has been given a new name, "Copernicium". Copernicium has been named for Nicolaus Copernicus, who proposed the heliocentric solar system. The discoverers of copernicium wanted the element's name to honor a famous scientist who did not get much recognition during his own lifetime. Copernicus was so afraid to announce his work that he published his theories on the day of his death. Also, Hofmann and his team wished to honor the importance of nuclear chemistry to other scientific fields, such as astrophysics. Sigurd Hofmann and his team announced their name choice on July 14th. Copernicium was the sixth element discovered at the GSI. The last four elements were named for cities or states in Germany, but Hofmann wished to end the flag-waving associated with element names, seeking worldwide for a scientist to honor with the element name. Copernicus was a Polish scientist.

Copernicium Facts | Discovery of Element 112 Verified