TED-ED: Tycho Brahe, the scandalous astronomer - Dan Wenkel

Tycho Brahe, a 16th-century Danish noble, was a pioneering astronomer known for his accurate planetary observations before telescopes existed. Despite a tumultuous personal life, including a sword duel that cost him part of his nose, Tycho made significant contributions to astronomy. He built Uraniborg, a state-of-the-art observatory, and discovered a new star in Cassiopeia. Later, he moved to Prague, where he worked with Johannes Kepler. Tycho's mysterious death in 1601 led to speculation about mercury poisoning. His life exemplifies the blend of scientific rigor and personal drama.

What event at the age of thirteen influenced Tycho Brahe to pursue astronomy instead of law?

• A comet sighting

• A solar eclipse

• A lunar eclipse

• A meteor shower

What was the outcome of Tycho Brahe's duel with another student in Germany?

• He lost his left ear

• He lost a part of his nose

• He lost his right hand

• He lost his left eye

What did the King of Denmark offer Tycho Brahe to keep him in Denmark?

• A royal title

• A large sum of money

• A personal island with an observatory

• A fleet of ships

Who did Tycho Brahe collaborate with in Prague?

• Galileo Galilei

• Isaac Newton

• Nicolaus Copernicus

• Johannes Kepler

What unusual finding was discovered in Tycho Brahe's mustache hair during the 2010 exhumation?

• High levels of gold

• High levels of lead

• High levels of mercury

• High levels of arsenic