Sixteenth century Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe laid the framework for modern cosmology without ever using a telescope.

(The earliest record of a possible supernova appears in a prehistoric ... one in 1572 (now called Tycho's Nova) and the other in 1604 (now known as Kepler's Star). Then came Galileo's telescope.

Some astronomers refer to it as B Cassiopeia. Most, however, call it by its informal name – Tycho’s supernova. While supernovae have been observed for millennia, the one in 1572 remains one of ...

Discover the explosive end of a star's life—supernovas. Learn what causes these cosmic events and their impact with ...