The Power of Unity

THE POWER OF UNITY Tycho Brahe (1546–1601) was born in Scania, Denmark, and died in Prague. Johannes Kepler (1571–1630) was born in Württemberg, Germany, and died in Regensburg. Both were engaged in research in astronomy. But neither of them, on his own, was able to discover any great truth about the universe. Tycho Brahe and Kepler were contemporaries. Yet one obstacle prevented both from making a major astronomical discovery: neither had mastery over every aspect of the subject. Tycho Brahe carried out many observations and recorded them carefully, building up a large collection of written data. But astronomy also depends on mathematics, and Tycho Brahe was weak in that field. He lacked the ability to connect his observations to mathematical principles. Kepler, on the other hand, had little skill in observation. He rarely observed. Even though the telescope had already been invented in his time, he hardly made use of it. His strength was mathematics, and through calculations he developed many valuable theories about astronomy. This is where Tycho Brahe’s generosity came into play. Despite personal differences with Kepler—even though Kepler once accused him of hypocrisy in a letter and insulted him—Tycho Brahe, despite his fiery temperament, did not get angry. Near the end of his life, he decided that Kepler would be the best heir to his scientific records.