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Tycho Brahe

1546–1601 · Denmark / Prague
Tycho Brahe

Description

Tycho Brahe, generally called Tycho for short, was a Danish astronomer known for his comprehensive and unprecedentedly accurate astronomical observations which helped to turn astronomy into the first modern science and launch the Scientific Revolution. He was known during his lifetime as an astronomer, astrologer, and alchemist. He was the last major astronomer before the invention of the telescope and has been described as the greatest pre-telescopic astronomer.

Facts

BornTyge Ottesen Brahe, 14 December 1546, Knutstorp Castle, Scania, Denmark–Norway
Died24 October 1601(1601-10-24) (aged 54), Prague, Kingdom of Bohemia, Holy Roman Empire
EducationUniversity of CopenhagenLeipzig UniversityUniversity of Rostock
OccupationsAstronomerwriter
Known forTychonic systemTycho's supernovaRudolphine TablesVariation
SpouseKirsten Barbara Jørgensdatter
Children8
ParentsOtte BraheBeate Clausdatter Bille

Life & work in brief

Summarised by section — one row per topic, for fast reading.

Work / contributionSignificance
LifeTycho Brahe was born as heir to several of Denmark's most influential noble families.
Career: observing the heavensTycho's view of science was driven by his passion for accurate observations, and the quest for improved instruments of measurement drove his life's work.
LegacyThe first biography of Tycho, which was also the first full-length biography of any scientist, was written by Gassendi in 1654.