Random Facts About Tycho Brahe, Bizarre 16th Century Astronomer Who Owned A Psychic Dwarf Slave (15 items)

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  (#15) He Furthered Science By Dying

  In the end, Brahe was likely more important in death than he was in life. Other astronomers, including Johannes Kepler, gained access to Brahe’s data after he passed away, which enabled them to make several revolutionary discoveries about the cosmos. Kepler in particular is credited with bringing astronomy fully into the realm of science, and he couldn’t have done so without Brahe’s foundational work.
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  (#8) He Possibly Inspired Hamlet

  Tycho Brahe’s amazing life may have inspired William Shakespeare. The Bard seemed to be aware of the tale of Brahe, as he referenced the Danish astonomer’s work in his plays. Some even believe that the intrigue and mystery surrounding Brahe's death may have sparked Shakespeare to write Hamlet.

  Brahe became close with the Danish royal family, and some historians believe he may have had an affair with the Queen. They theorize that her son, enraged by the scandal, poisoned Brahe in revenge - a similar story to the plot of Shakespeare's tragedy.
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  (#11) He Died From A Burst Bladder

  Brahe's death is as outrageous as the rest of his life. He likely died from a burst bladder. As the story goes, he was attending a royal banquet in 1601. Politeness kept Brahe from leaving the room to use the facilities, and his bladder ruptured, ultimately killing him. However, rumors swirled for years that the celebrated astronomer was actually murdered, either by a jealous colleague or the royal family itself. A study of Brahe's exhumed remains ultimately laid these conspiracies to rest.
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  (#2) He Partied With His Prized Pet Moose

  Brahe's choice of pet can charitably be called eccentric: a moose. Brahe adored his moose; it slept in his house like a dog, and reportedly trotted alongside his carriage. Unfortunately, the unusual creature became a fixture at local parties, where it developed a taste for beer. One day, it had a bit too much and fell down the stairs drunk, eventually dying of its injuries.
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  (#13) He Built An Astronomy Castle Called 'Uraniborg'

  Named after Urania, the Muse of Astronomy, Brahe's private observatory was built between 1576 and 1580; construction was bankrolled by King Frederick II of Denmark, who was eager to keep the talented scientist from resettling in another country. It included numerous sophisticated apparatus to assist with Brahe's astronomical observations - but not a telescope, as those hadn't been invented at the time. Despite this handicap, Brahe (aided by up to 30 assistants) was able to observe the stars and planets with unprecedented precision, building the first truly reliable body of astronomical data. Unfortunately, Frederick's successor Christian IV was not a fan of Brahe and withdrew his support for the astronomer's activities. Brahe left the site in 1597, and Uraniborg was demolished soon afterward.
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  (#1) He Lost His Nose In A Duel Over Math

  In 1566, Brahe got into a heated math-related debate with a colleague. The two agreed that the only way to settle their disagreement was with a duel - which Brahe lost when his opponent took off a chunk of his nose. The astronomer wore a metal covering over it for the rest of his life.

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