Tycho Brahe

Danish astronomer and scientist who originated the technique of systematic observations, and disproved the concept that no change could occur in the heavens. Some of his work allowed his assistant and successor, Johannes Kepler, to formulate the laws of planetary motion. His work also provided important links between the theories of Copernicus and those of Sir Isaac Newton.

During a youthful duel with a fellow student in December 1566, he lost part of his nose, leaving only the tip intact. Brahe later wore a prosthesis, a silver-copper shell painted to match his skin. He cast astrological charts professionally and left some measure of astrological writings.

Brahe was the first born of twins; the second twin was still-born. His younger sister, Sophias, became a noted astrologer and he praised her in one of his manuscripts that if she had been born male, she probably would have achieved notoriety.

To acknowledge his contributions to the world of science, in 1576 Frederick II, the King of Denmark, granted Brahe a pension and an island between Sweden and Denmark on which Brahe built a lavish home and observatory.

He died in Prague of an infection caused by a burst bladder. He had neglected to relieve himself before a banquet given on 13 October 1601 by the Baron of Rosenberg, and good manners prevented him from leaving the table. Eleven days later, on 24 October 1601, he died. His artificial nose was missing when the body was exhumed in 1901, probably stolen by vandals, but a bright green stain caused by copper salts could be seen on the front of the skull. His body lies in the Teyn Church, Prague.