International aspects of the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of Nicolaus Copernicus’ birth in 1973. Selected events

Abstract

This article will discuss the most important international events organised in Toruń in 1973 as part of the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus. Particular attention will be given to two key scientific congresses: the symposium on ‘The Exploration of the Planetary System’ and the Colloquia Copernicana, i.e. proceedings devoted to the history of astronomy and the reception of Copernicus’ work. The events of the jubilee will be discussed in the context of phenomena in international politics such as de-escalation or the Ostpolitik pursued by West Germany, as well as with regard to domestic politics. Particular attention will be paid to the gradual opening of Poland to the world during the late rule of Władysław Gomułka and the early rule of Edward Gierek. The jubilee celebrations were intended as international promotion of the image of Poland as a rapidly modernising country. The article briefly outlines Professor Wilhelmina Iwanowska’s
efforts to defend the plans to expand the premises and instrumental facilities of Toruń’s radio astronomy department, which were threatened by the withdrawal of funding.