Tycho Brahe was a Danish astronomer whose work in developing astronomical instruments and in measuring and fixing the positions of stars paved the way for future discoveries. His observations—the most accurate possible before the invention of the telescope—included a comprehensive study of the solar system and accurate positions of more than 777 fixed stars.
He made accurate observations of the stars and planets. His study of the “new star” that appeared in 1572 showed that it was farther away than the Moon and was among the fixed stars, which were regarded as perfect and unchanging.
Brahe lost his nose in 1566 in a duel with Manderup Parsberg, a fellow Danish student at the University of Rostock and his third cousin. Tycho wore a prosthetic nose made of brass, and afterward he and Parsberg became good friends.
Brahe and Tungsten Surprising element found in traces of Tycho Brahe’s alchemy lab confounds scientists