In Our Time Tycho Brahe
Mar 2, 2023
In this engaging discussion, Ole Grell, an Emeritus Professor in Early Modern History, Adam Mosley, an Associate Professor at Swansea University, and Emma Perkins, an Affiliate Scholar at Cambridge, explore the life of Tycho Brahe. They delve into his revolutionary discovery of a new star, the impact of astrology on royal societies, and his innovative astronomical instruments. The conversation also highlights the political and religious influences of Brahe's time and the legacy of his meticulous research, culminating in his collaboration with Johannes Kepler.
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Ptolemaic System Origins
- The Ptolemaic system, placing Earth at the center of the universe, originated with Ptolemy but has Aristotelian roots.
- It combined philosophical ideas with mathematical models of astronomy.
Copernican System
- Copernicus's heliocentric system, with the Sun at the center, was presented in 1543 but faced theological and physical objections.
- It was initially adopted as a mathematical model due to its accuracy in predicting planetary positions.
The New Star of 1572
- Tycho Brahe observed a new star in 1572, challenging Aristotle's idea of unchanging heavens.
- Using instruments like the radius, he determined the star's supralunar location, influencing his dedication to astronomy.
