A Spanish study of the 1572 nova: Jerónimo Muñoz and his Book on the New Comet

Abstract

The nova of 1572 was one of the most important astronomical events of the 16th century, mentioned by more than 40 authors. One of them was Jerónimo Muñoz, a Valentian Professor of Mathematics, who not only observed it, but also wrote a Book on the New Comet in Castilian, at the request of the Spanish King, Phillip II. There he addresses, among other things, the nature and location of the phenomenon, concluding that it was a star-like comet, which was located at a distance beyond that of the Sun. The article deals with Jerónimo Muñoz’s life and work within the Spanish astronomical community and explains the main ideas Muñoz presented in the Book regarding the nature and significance of the nova. The online edition of the article includes an appendix containing a complete English translation of the Book on the New Comet.