The Star of Cassiopeia: What Did Scotland See in 1572?

In November 1572, Scottish skies witnessed a rare and awe-inspiring celestial event—a bright star suddenly appeared in the constellation of Cassiopeia. This event, known as the “Star of Tycho,” named after the famed Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, left people across Europe, including in Scotland, captivated and mystified. The appearance of this "new star" sparked widespread speculation, with many considering it an omen of significant changes or cosmic importance. Although today we know that this was a supernova, a stellar explosion far outside our galaxy, for the people of 16th-century Scotland, the event was a mixture of wonder, confusion, and even fear.