Copernicus' compass was found in Poland: a historic find at the site of his famous discoveries

The recent discovery of Nicolaus Copernicus' compass in Poland has caused excitement among historians and archaeologists. Found on the same site where the famous astronomer made his groundbreaking discoveries, this artifact provides a tangible link to the past and sheds light on Copernicus' work.

The compass was found during excavations led by the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń in cooperation with the Institute of Archeology and Ethnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The site, located in Frombork, is where Copernicus lived and worked in the 16th century, developing his revolutionary heliocentric theory, according to which the Sun, not the Earth, was the center of the universe.

How the compass was found

The discovery was made by a group of archaeologists using modern metal detecting equipment. The exceptionally well-preserved compass was buried under layers of dirt and debris. Initial research suggests that it dates back to the early 1500s, which coincides with the period when Copernicus was active in his research.

Expert opinions

Dr. Andrzej Buko, lead archaeologist from the Institute of Archeology and Ethnology, said: “This find is monumental. It not only confirms the historical importance of Frombork as a center of scientific discoveries, but also provides us with a direct link to Copernicus himself. ."

Professor Wojciech Bleier, historian at Nicolaus Copernicus University, added: “The compass is an important tool for understanding how Copernicus made his observations. It's a reminder of the painstaking work that went into his groundbreaking theories."

Institutions and research centers

The excavation project was the joint involvement of several institutions:

Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń

Institute of Archeology and Ethnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences

Museum of Warmia and Masuria in Olsztyn

The value of the find

While the exact monetary value of the compass has yet to be determined, experts believe it could be worth several hundred thousand dollars given its historical and scientific significance.

The discovery of Copernicus' compass is an important milestone in the field of archeology and history. This not only enriches our understanding of one of the most important figures in science, but also highlights the lasting legacy of Copernicus' work.

Additional source:

To learn more about this discovery, visit the website of Nicolaus Copernicus University.