500 Year Old Compass

Archaeologists have discovered a 500-year-old compass that may have belonged to Copernicus.

Long ago, Nicolaus Copernicus developed a model of the solar system where the sun was located in the middle. This was a complete overhaul of the conception of the universe of the time and changed how people look at the stars forever. It also angered the Catholic Church, which anger lingered for decades after his death.

Now, some amateur archaeologists have stumbled upon what may be one of the very tools that once aided Copernicus in his work.

These amateurs were searching in the gardens of the Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Andrew in northern Poland. This location is also known as the Frombork Cathedral. They used ground-penetrating radar that uncovered an underground chamber with 3 tunnels. This is where they discovered a 500-year-old compass that looks just like the one Copernicus is often depicted holding.

Although there isn’t direct evidence that this particular compass belonged to Copernicus, there is reason to believe that link could exist. After Copernicus’ studies at the University of Cracow in the 1490s, he received an appointment to the governing body of Frombork Cathedral. This position gave him the opportunity to continue his studies. Although the job took up much of his schedule, he was able to pursue his interests during his free time.

Later, Copernicus spent time at both the University of Bologna and the University of Padua (among other places), but by 1510, he had returned to Frombork, where he developed his theory of the solar system. He remained at Frombork until his final breath on May 24, 1543.

Part of what leads to the belief that the compass was once in Copernicus’ hands is that it was found not far from where the astronomer’s remains had recently been discovered. It had been believed that he was buried within the cathedral, but in 2005, archaeologists located a partial skull matching his description.

This compass is the second such instrument found on the grounds.

 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/archaeologists-found-a-500-year-old-compass-turns-out-it-may-have-belonged-to-copernicus/ar-AA1R814Q?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=6925e0b54aa545f1a3e6fc8f7416ef8d&ei=24