Terrestrial and celestial globes; their history and ... - 24grammata.com

Terrestrial and Celestial Globes.
in Lauingen engaged in the study of astronomy with the
distinguished Cyprian Leowitz, in 1568 in Basel with Peter
Ramus, and for two years thereafter in Augsburg with the
brothers Johan and Paul Hainzel, with whom he constructed
a large quadrant having a radius of seventeen and one half
feet. While in Augsburg it appears that he began the con-
struction of a celestial globe four feet in diameter, but there
is some uncertainty as to his completion of this work. A
short but unhappy sojourn in his native town followed his
years of congenial study in Germany, and we soon learn of
his visit to the observatory of Landgraf Wilhelm of Cassel,
an event of great significance for him. His travels carried
him to other cities of Germany, including the city of Regensburg,
where he witnessed the coronation of the Emperor
Rudolf II. Landgraf Wilhelm, a Maecenas of wide repute in
his day, had been greatly impressed with the abilities of
Tycho, and he urged upon the Danish King Frederick that
he should make suitable provision for the further astronomi-
cal studies of his distinguished subject, which suggestion the
King generously met. In the year 1575 the documents were
signed and sealed granting to Tycho full possession for life
of the little Island of Hveen, lying between Seeland and
Schonen; in addition he was furnished with all the means
necessary for the erection of an observatory and the adequate
equipment of the same (Fig. 76). The Uranienburg, as his
observatory was called," became a great center for astronom-
ical studies, and students came to him from various European
lands, among these being Arnold van Langren, Willem
Jansz. Blaeu, and Longomontanus (Christian Severin of
Longberg). The death of his patron. King Frederick II, in
the year 1588 brought misfortune to Tycho, in so far as his
life and studies on the Island of Hveen were concerned, since
the succeeding ruler. Christian IV, was but little interested
in the further promotion of astronomical science. Enduring
court intrigue for nine years, he determined, in the year
1597, to leave the scenes of his remarkable successes, and
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