WARSAW, Poland (AP) ? Researchers believe theyhave identified the remains of Nicolaus Copernicus by comparing DNA from askeleton they have found with that of hair retrieved from one of the16th-century astronomer's books.
JerzyGassowski, an academic at an archaeology school in Poland, also says facialreconstruction of the skull his team found buried in a cathedral in Polandclosely resembles existing portraits of Copernicus, whose theories identifiedthe Sun, not the Earth, as the center of the universe.
Gassowskiand Marie Allen, a Swedish DNA expert, told reporters about their findings in Warsaw on Thursday.
Allen saidDNA from the bones and teeth matches that of hair found in a book the Polishastronomer owned. It is in a library at Sweden's Uppsala University.
- Copernicus' Grave Found in Polish Church
- Kepler and Mars ? Understanding How Planets Move
- Vote: The Greatest Modern Minds
Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.
