Tycho Brahe

Date of Birth: December 14, 1546

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: October 24, 1601

Biography

Tycho Brahe was a renowned Danish astronomer, born on December 14, 1546, in Knudstrup, Denmark. He is best known for his comprehensive astronomical observations which were crucial in the development of modern astronomy. Raised in a noble family, Tycho was initially educated in law, but his passion for astronomy diverted his path. He built the famous observatory Uraniborg on the island of Hven, where he developed sophisticated instruments for celestial observations. Tycho’s detailed and accurate records of planetary positions laid the foundation for Kepler’s laws of planetary motion. He was a colorful character, known for his artificial nose made of brass, which he wore after losing part of his nose in a duel. Tycho spent his later years in Prague, where he was appointed the Imperial Mathematician by Emperor Rudolf II. He passed away on October 24, 1601, under mysterious circumstances.

5 Interesting Facts about Tycho Brahe

1. Tycho Brahe lost part of his nose in a duel and wore a prosthetic nose made of brass.

2. He built two observatories, Uraniborg and Stjerneborg, on the island of Hven.

3. Tycho’s astronomical observations were the most accurate of his time, with an error margin of about one arcminute.

4. He had a pet elk that reportedly died after drinking too much beer and falling down stairs.

5. Tycho employed Johannes Kepler as his assistant, who later used Tycho’s data to formulate his laws of planetary motion.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Tycho Brahe

1. “Those who study the stars have God for a teacher.”

2. “I conclude that the sun is a moving star.”

3. “It is in the nature of true science to be cautious and to avoid hasty conclusions.”

4. “When I had satisfied myself that my observations were not erroneous, I concluded that I was not mistaken in believing that I had attained a more accurate determination than any of my predecessors.”

5. “Now it is quite clear to me that there are no solid spheres in the heavens, and those that have been devised by the astronomers have no existence.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Tycho Brahe’s highest net worth is difficult to estimate in modern terms, but he was one of the wealthiest individuals of his time due to his noble birth and royal patronage.

Children

Tycho Brahe had eight children with his common-law wife, Kirsten Jørgensdatter. However, none of his children followed in his footsteps in the field of astronomy.