What great astronomer was born on December 14, 1540? What was strange about his face?

Question

I've sarched for an hour and I still can't find the grreat astronomer who was born on that date. Who is it and what was strange about their face. All help is appreciated!

Answer 1

Tycho Brahe - December 14, 1546

One unfortunate incident during his stay in Germany suggests that Tycho inherited his father's rather hot-headed ways. Tycho lost his temper in a quarrel with another student over who was the better mathematician, this led to a duel in which part of Tycho's nose was cut off. The lost piece was replaced by a gold and silver alloy, and Tycho always carried around with him a snuffbox containing some "ointment or glutinous composition" which he frequently rubbed on his nose, possibly to keep it stuck on.

Answer 2

It sounds like it would have to be Tycho Brahe, although he was born December 14 1546. Allegedly he had a silver nose. There's a good write up on the nose aspect at http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a980717a.html

Answer 3

Tycho Brahe, Danish Astronomer, was born on December 14, 1546 might you have the year wrong??
he had a twin who died before being baptised.....

Answer 4

erm, Tycho Brahe was born on December 14, 1546. His face was weird too, he had his nose cut off after he got in a fight with one of his students, so he had it replaced by a gold nose.

EDIT:: That is the only one I can think of, Kepler was born in 1571 and nothing was up with his face. And that is too late for Copernicus.

Answer 5

Tycho Brahe? The year is off though

Answer 6

Wittenberg professor of astronomy and mathematics Georg Joachim. FOUND THAT HERE: http://www.answers.com/topic/1540

More info on this guy:
http://www.answers.com/topic/rheticus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georg_Joachim_Rheticus

good luck

Answer 7

Galileo!