Tycho Brahe

[Mnemosyne]

Tycho Brahe made great contributions in the field of astronomy. Before Tycho, many of the observations of the stars and planets were inaccurate. Tycho designed new instruments, so he and other astronomers could measure the positions and motions of stars, comets, and planets accurately. Later, Kepler used Brahe's work to help him formulate the idea that planets move in ellipses and not circles.

Besides his contributions in the field of astronomy, Brahe led an interesting life. When I think of Brahe, I always think about the time that he fought with a fellow student to determine who was the better mathematician. As a result of this fight, Brahe had a deep scar on his nose. For that reason, Brahe wore a metal covering for his nose, so others would notice his injury as much.

Another interesting story has to do with his death. There has been a myth that has been around for ages that he died of a bladder infection that resulted after drinking too much at a party. Although he imbibed a lot of alcohol, Brahe did not get up to the use the restroom, since he thought that it would be rude.

You can read about Brahe's life, contributions in astronomy, and myths about his life at this site.
http://www.tychobrahe.com/

[Danustouch]

Wow...thanks for all that great information Mnemosyne.

Imagine dying of a bladder infection! Is there any proof to that?

[Mnemosyne]

Yes, dying of a bladder infection would be awful!!!! Unlike Christopher Columbus, people today know where Brahe is buried. Scientists have found something interesting about him. There was an usually high amount of mercury found in his hair. Perhaps he had a lot of mercury in his system after inhaling it at his job. (astronomers had mercury on their scientific instruments.) Another story suggests that Brahe tried to treat his bladder infection with medicines having mercury in it. :eek:

Once again, you can read more stories about Brahe at

http://www.tychobrahe.com/

[Theres]

sort of a physical version of 'Mercury in retrograde'!
i didn't know that about his death, but i do think about him whenever i look at the full moon.