The observatory that changed astronomy forever - CNET

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The island of Hven between Sweden and Denmark is just 7.5 square kilometres (2.9 square miles), hosting a population of less than 400 people. But in the late 16th century, it was one of the world's premiere destinations for scientists and philosophers.

This is because Hven was the site of the most advanced research institution the world had seen to date. On August 8, 1576 -- 440 years ago today -- Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe laid the coerstone for Uraniborg, his astronomical observatory and alchemy laboratory.

The facility started with a bribe. Brahe had been working under the patronage of King Frederick II of Denmark, and had travelled abroad to find architects and engineers for the king's ambitious building projects. On his retu, he started making secret plans to settle in Basel, Switzerland.

To keep Brahe in Denmark, and to reward his service, King Frederick II offered the astronomer the little island as a place to conduct his studies into astronomy and chemistry. It was an offer Brahe couldn't refuse.

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The construction of Uraniborg, named after Urania, the muse of astronomy, was completed in 1580. It was a square, three-storey building constructed mostly of red brick, approximately 15 metres (50 feet) a side, and was extended to the north and south by a semicircular tower on each of these walls.