Tycho Brahe: History's Most Eccentric Astronomer

Tycho Brahe was arguably the greatest observational astronomer of the 16th century - his star catalog and measurements were so accurate they revolutionized astronomy and set the stage for modern science. He also had a prosthetic metal (or silver) nose that he allegedly wore as a false face, kept a pet moose that he got drunk at parties, and may have died from holding his bladder too long at a royal banquet rather than leave his seat. He was a genius and absolute madman simultaneously.

Tycho lost his real nose in a sword duel in 1566, supposedly over a mathematical dispute (stories vary). Rather than hide the loss, he created an elaborate metal prosthetic nose that he wore for the rest of his life. Some accounts claim it was gold or silver with a hinge. Some say h ...