A great read

[dodgy al]

Have just finished "The Sky's Dark Labyrinth" an historical novel & the first of a trilogy by Stuart Clark. Couldn't put it down.

Set against a background of politics, religion & intrigue it introduces us to the worlds of Galileo, Kepler and Tycho Brahe. (Can anyone tell me how that is pronounced?)

Rich in detail of all things astronomical as well as day to day life of the times. Can't help but be amazed at Kepler's never say die attitude, courage, & sheer bloody mindedness to determine the orbits.

The observational conditions at northern latitudes that Tycho Brahe & his team had to put up with makes the quality & quantity of his work even more astounding, particularly for someone like me who starts to freeze over below about 12 degrees. Tycho comes over as larger than life in more ways than one.

Highly recommended! - now for the next two.

[bigjoe]

Thanks, gotta get these.

Three of my HEROS. Up there with Faraday.

Brahe what a character!

Thanks from bigjoe.:thumbsup::)

[inline_online]

Hi Alan,
I read an article once about pronunciations of astronomical names etc.
I'm pretty sure that the name 'Brahe' is pronounced the same as 'Bray.'
That would mean that 'Tycho Brahe' rhymes with 'Psycho Day.'
I should get back to work ;)

Cheers,
Dan

[astroron]

Thanks, but with a moniker like yours should we really take what you say with a pinch of salt?;)
Cheers:thumbsup:

[bigjoe]

Yeah.

Thanks for going offline_inline.:P:P

[mr bruess]

I always thought that the name 'Brahe' is pronounced the same as Bra.

[bigjoe]

Yes mr Bruess and hi.

Ive also heard it pronounced BRA HEY OR BRA HEE.

CHEERS MY FRIEND.:)

[dodgy al]

Thanks Joe & Dan

I had a vague idea that Tycho was pronounced something like "Ticka" but vague is the operative word.

Ron I had to laugh at your observation & remembered a Groucho Marx quote that was something like "I wouldn't like to belong to any club that would have me as a member". I was given the moniker by a bloke who bought a used computer from me about 12 years ago. It wasn't the computer but the state of my room that did it - spare parts, bits of wire, screwdrivers, old tea bags all floating around in the mud & the blood & the beer.

He reckons he stumbled into the set of Steptoe & Son without the horse. We became good mates & I wear the name like a badge of honour.

But you're right - would you buy a telescope from this man?