Polish discovery of historic compass may reveal tools behind groundbreaking astronomy

Scientists have uncovered a compass in Poland, a discovery that could shed new light on the tools behind revolutionary astronomical work. 

Scientists using ground-penetrating radar have uncovered a hidden underground chamber near Nicolaus Copernicus’ burial site, revealing a 500-year-old compass believed to be linked to the famed astronomer, Caliber.Az reports via Popular Mechanics.

The compass closely resembles the type often depicted alongside Copernicus, who developed his groundbreaking heliocentric theory while working in Frombork, Poland. This discovery promises new insights into the tools and methods he may have used during his revolutionary work.

The artifact has been sent for preservation and will soon be displayed at the Nicolaus Copernicus Museum, offering visitors a fresh glimpse into Copernicus’ astronomical research.

Copernicus is renowned for creating a heliocentric model of the solar system, detailed in his landmark book De revolutionibus orbium coelestium. His work challenged the long-held geocentric view favored by the Catholic Church and forever changed humanity’s understanding of the cosmos, despite facing opposition for many years after his death.

The discovery was made by an amateur archaeology group, Warminska Grupa Eksploracyjna, exploring the gardens of the Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Andrew, also known as Frombork Cathedral. Using ground-penetrating radar, they found an underground chamber with three tunnels, where the compass was located.

“This astounding find takes us back to the era when Copernicus made his revolutionary discoveries,” said Misja Skarb, a member of the archaeological team, “...and opens up new possibilities for understanding his methods of work.”

While there is no direct proof the compass belonged to Copernicus, its proximity to his recently identified remains and the historical context suggest a possible connection. Copernicus spent much of his life at Frombork after studying astronomy and mathematics at the University of Cracow and later in Italy.

The compass, the second found at the site, is now with the Conservator of Monuments of Poland for conservation and analysis before being displayed at the Nicolaus Copernicus Museum.

By Naila Huseynova