Talk:Tycho Brahe

I hoped you wouldn't mind my joining in as an author. I moved the derivation of the name to a top section, and would like to see if I can make things read nicely. If you object to any of my edits, please revert them. NancyNancy Sculerati MD 16:30, 3 February 2007 (CST)

redundant observations

This is an odd phrase to my ear, anyway. Is it something that is part of "astronomer talk"? Is there another way to say it? Nancy Sculerati MD 16:34, 3 February 2007 (CST)

Let me answer by quoting from "Planetary astronomy from the Renaissance to the rise of astrophysics", volume 2A of the "General History of Astronomy" published by the International Astronomical Union and the International Union for the History and Philosophy of Science (page 6):

While his results are not especially interesting, his methods certainly are. For, by making - and reporting - seven trials of each element, rather than the single determination that any of his predecessors would have offered, Tycho inaugurated the modern scientific practice of using redundant data and admitting scatter in his results."

James F. Perry 17:57, 3 February 2007 (CST)

Why not put that quote in with a reference? It's clear and interesting.Nancy