Tycho Brahe

Astronomy Danish 1546 – 1601 361 quotes

Most accurate naked-eye astronomical observations

Quotes by Tycho Brahe

I have been granted the opportunity to unveil some of the universe's mysteries.

Expression of gratitude

The path to understanding is paved with meticulous data.

Advice to students

Let us not be afraid to question what has long been accepted.

Call for scientific inquiry

My instruments are extensions of my will to know.

Description of his relationship with his tools

The heavens speak a language of numbers, and I strive to translate it.

Metaphorical statement

I have endured many hardships for the sake of science.

Personal reflection on his struggles

The future of astronomy depends on the quality of our observations today.

Forward-looking statement

When I had satisfied myself that no star of the eighth magnitude was to be found in the place where the new star had appeared, I began to believe that I had made a mistake. But when I saw that the star was still there, and that it was brighter than any other star in the sky, I knew that it was a new star, and that it was a miracle.

De Nova Stella 1572

I have observed that the comet of 1577 has a tail that is not straight, but curved. This is a very strange thing, and I do not know what to make of it. Perhaps it is a sign from God.

De Mundi Aetherei Recentioribus Phaenomenis 1577

I have often wondered why it is that the planets move in such strange and irregular ways. Perhaps they are drunk.

Apocryphal

I have spent my life observing the heavens, and I have learned many things. But the most important thing I have learned is that I know nothing.

Apocryphal

I have a nose of gold, but it is not because I am rich. It is because I lost my own nose in a duel, and I had to have a new one made.

Biographical accounts 1566

I have built an observatory that is the envy of all Europe. But it is not because I am proud. It is because I want to observe the heavens with the greatest possible accuracy.

Description of Uraniborg 1576

I have a pet elk that drinks beer. It is a very intelligent animal, and it is a good companion. But it is also a very expensive animal, because it drinks a lot of beer.

Biographical accounts

I have a dwarf named Jepp who sits under my table and tells me jokes. He is a very amusing fellow, and he helps me to forget the troubles of the world.

Biographical accounts

I have a printing press in my observatory, so that I can publish my observations as soon as they are made. This is a very important thing, because it allows me to share my discoveries with the world.

Description of Uraniborg 1580

I have a laboratory in my observatory, where I conduct experiments in alchemy. I believe that alchemy is a noble art, and that it can help us to understand the secrets of nature.

Biographical accounts

I have a library in my observatory, where I keep all the books that I have collected over the years. I believe that books are the most valuable treasures in the world, because they contain the wisdom of the ages.

Description of Uraniborg

I have a garden in my observatory, where I grow all sorts of strange and exotic plants. I believe that plants are living things, and that they have a lot to teach us about the universe.

Description of Uraniborg

I have a wife who is a commoner, but she is a very good wife. She is intelligent, and she is kind, and she is a good mother to our children. And she does not care that I have a golden nose.

Biographical accounts 1573