This gift is a bust of the Polish Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (1473 – 1543). Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland and was an important mathematician, Doctor of Medicine, theologian and astronomer. His epochal book, “De revolutionibus orbium coelestium” (On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres), is often regarded as the starting point of modern Western astronomy and the defining epiphany that began the scientific revolution. The book led to the rejection of the geocentric theory of the sun’s motion and an understanding of the motion of planets around the sun. The model demonstrated that the observed motions of celestial objects can be explained without putting Earth in the center of the universe. 

It is important to honor Copernicus, a person who revolutionized man’s concept of the universe over 500 years ago. He was an original thinker who questioned the accepted concept of astronomy in which the earth was the center of the universe.

The Permanent Representative of Poland, Ambassador Eugeniusz Kulaga, presented the gift and it was accepted by Secretary-General U Thant (1909 – 1974) on behalf of the United Nations. 

It was presented to the United Nations as part of a worldwide Copernicus Quincentennial celebration which culminated in 1973, the 500th anniversary of his birth. 

In his statement at the presentation of the gift, Secretary-General U Thant said, “Copernicus was one of those rare brilliant individuals who extend the frontiers of knowledge for mankind. All of us at the United Nations will draw inspiration from the universal message which he brings to us. Having laid the foundation of modern planetary astronomy, Copernicus can take credit for having launched our twentieth century astronauts and cosmonauts on their adventurous journey into the universe.”