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Tycho Freakin' Brahe... the truth is stranger than (most) fiction...
Tycho Freakin' Brahe... the truth is stranger than (most) fiction...
Tycho Brahe (14 December 1546 – 24 October 1601) was a Danish astronomer of the Renaissance, known for his comprehensive and unprecedentedly accurate astronomical observations. He was known during his lifetime as an astronomer, astrologer, and alchemist. He was the last major astronomer before the invention of the telescope. Tycho Brahe has also been described as the greatest pre-telescopic astronomer. (Wikipedia)
But here are the interesting bits of history...
But here are the interesting bits of history...
He lost his nose in a duel with his cousin... about math. He wore a prosthetic nose made of brass (with a gold or silver one for special occasions) for the rest of his life.
He was given the island Hven by King Frederick II of Denmark, and build an elaborate observatory there called Uraniborg.
Tycho was known for his elaborate parties on the island, and had a pet moose (or elk... scholars are undecided) that he would bring out for parties. The moose entertained guests by being given beer... and eventually died in a drunken fall down stairs.
He also had a clairvoyant jester named Jepp. Jepp was used at parties to tell fortunes and be entertainment.
Tycho's sister Sophie worked with Tycho for decades, helping with his observations of the night skies.
After Tycho's death, Sophie became an expert in genealogy and gardening.
After being evicted from his island by King Frederick II's son Christian, Tycho moved to Prague and worked for the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II.
Rudolf was fascinated with the Philosopher's Stone and asked Tycho to create it in his alchemy lab.
Johannes Kepler worked as Tycho's assistant in Prague for just over a year before Tycho's death.
He was able to use Tycho's research to publish detailed star charts - the most accurate observations that had ever been made. Only the invention of the telescope allowed for better ones.
Tycho death was supposedly from a burst bladder, allegedly because he was having too much fun at a party and refused to leave to go relieve himself. 10 days after the party, he died.
Conspiracy theories about Tycho's death have been debated for over 400 years...
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