This discovery, likely one of only three such instruments in Poland linked to astronomical measurements and teaching geometry, was found using a ground-penetrating radar as part of a survey to locate underground architectural relics.
Zorjana Polenik from the Nicolaus Copernicus Museum in Frombork described the find as a bronze compass used for astronomical, geodesic and cartographic measurements, and dating back to the 16th century.
"Of course, we do not know if it belonged to Copernicus himself," Polenik said.
The compass was discovered in a trial dig that also revealed a corner of a now-nonexistent canonry and the entrance to its partially collapsed cellars.
The museum hopes that the artifact will eventually be added to its collection by conservation services. The museum already houses a similar compass found in 2016 in the same gardens, which until now was the oldest instrument of its kind among the museum’s exhibits.
Copernicus, who served as a canon at the Frombork cathedral, lived in the town for nearly 30 years, conducting his clerical duties and astronomical observations.
He is famously known for his heliocentric theory, which posited that the Sun is the center of the solar system and the planets orbit around it, as presented in his work De revolutionibus orbium coelestium.
Copernicus, who also had interests in medicine, law, economics and administrative work, was buried in the local cathedral after his death in 1543.
Adjacent to his canonry, there likely existed a pavimentum, or a leveled platform for celestial observations, although its traces have yet to be found.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP
