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Polish tests 'confirm Copernicus' | Polish tests 'confirm Copernicus' |
(1 day later) | |
Researchers in Poland say they have solved a centuries-old mystery and identified the remains of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. | Researchers in Poland say they have solved a centuries-old mystery and identified the remains of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. |
A comparison of DNA from a skeleton in Poland and strands of the astronomer's hair found in a book in Sweden almost certainly confirm it is his skeleton. | A comparison of DNA from a skeleton in Poland and strands of the astronomer's hair found in a book in Sweden almost certainly confirm it is his skeleton. |
Archaeologists found the skeleton in north-eastern Poland three years ago in a cathedral where Copernicus lived. | Archaeologists found the skeleton in north-eastern Poland three years ago in a cathedral where Copernicus lived. |
He worked in Frombork Cathedral on the Baltic Sea coast in the 16th Century. | He worked in Frombork Cathedral on the Baltic Sea coast in the 16th Century. |
Copernicus was one of the key proponents of the idea that the Earth orbits the Sun. | |
For many years he was a canon and only carried out his astronomical studies in his spare time. People had speculated about his final resting place for centuries. | For many years he was a canon and only carried out his astronomical studies in his spare time. People had speculated about his final resting place for centuries. |
Teeth DNA | Teeth DNA |
Three years ago, archaeologists dug up a skull and partial remains of a man aged about 70, Copernicus' age when he died, near an altar at the cathedral. | Three years ago, archaeologists dug up a skull and partial remains of a man aged about 70, Copernicus' age when he died, near an altar at the cathedral. |
Jerzy Gassowski, the leader of the archaeologists' team, said forensic facial reconstruction of the skull found that it bore a striking resemblance to existing portraits of the father of modern astronomy. | Jerzy Gassowski, the leader of the archaeologists' team, said forensic facial reconstruction of the skull found that it bore a striking resemblance to existing portraits of the father of modern astronomy. |
Scientists then matched the DNA from one of the skull's teeth and a femur bone with two strands of Copernicus' hair. | Scientists then matched the DNA from one of the skull's teeth and a femur bone with two strands of Copernicus' hair. |
The hair was found in a book once owned by the astronomer now kept in Sweden's Uppsala University. | The hair was found in a book once owned by the astronomer now kept in Sweden's Uppsala University. |
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