Excavations near residence of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus uncovered rare 16th century compass measuring tool & cellar ruins, museum said. 400-year-old compass tool found in Poland, photos show ...

A 500-year-old copper compass was found underground in the town of Frombork, where famous astronomer Copernicus once resided. The compass is only the third of its kind to be found in Poland.

The compass, made of copper-alloy, was found by amateur archaeologists, who used a ground-penetrating radar to comb the grounds of the 14th century Frombork castle in the north of Poland.

Excavations near residence of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus uncovered rare 16th century compass measuring tool & cellar ruins, museum said. 400-year-old compass tool found in Poland, photos show ...

The 400-year-old tool looks similar to drafting compasses used today, a photo shows. During the 16th century, the bronze item was likely used for astronomical measurements, geometry and cartography.

Excavations near residence of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus uncovered rare 16th century compass measuring tool & cellar ruins, museum said. 400-year-old compass tool found in Poland, photos show ...

Excavations near residence of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus uncovered rare 16th century compass measuring tool & cellar ruins, museum said. 400-year-old compass tool found in Poland, photos show ...