Ancient Compass Possibly Owned by Copernicus Found in Poland

In a remarkable archaeological discovery, researchers in Poland have unearthed a 500-year-old compass that may have belonged to the renowned astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. The artifact was found in a network of underground tunnels beneath the canonical gardens of Frombork, the town where Copernicus spent his final years. This two-pronged metal device, also known as a divider, was essential for precise measurements in fields such as cartography, geometry, and astronomy. Norbert Ogiński, president of the Warmian Exploration Group, recounted his childhood memories of the tunnel entrances in the gardens, which had been buried for years. After securing exploration permits, the team utilized ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to locate the tunnels. Their efforts were rewarded when they successfully excavated the largest anomaly identified by the GPR survey, leading to the discovery of the compass. Experts believe the compass is a significant artifact, as it provides direct evidence of Copernicus' practical application of scientific principles. Michal Antczak from the Misja Skarb Foundation emphasized the historical importance of the find, stating that it offers unique insights into Copernicus' working methods and his impact on the evolution of science in Europe. On August 8, the compass was transferred to the Nicolaus Copernicus Museum, which houses a similar device in its collection. This discovery not only highlights the legacy of Copernicus but also underscores the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote local heritage.