What prevented Tycho Brahe from making sense of his mass of data before his death in 1601?

Tycho Brahe was an astronomer renowned for his precise and comprehensive astronomical observations, but his struggle to make sense of these vast amounts of data before his death is largely attributed to his limited understanding of mathematics. During his time, the mathematical techniques necessary for analyzing orbits and celestial mechanics were either undeveloped or not well-known. Brahe collected a considerable amount of data on planetary positions, but he lacked the mathematical framework, notably calculus, which would later be crucial for interpreting and modeling these observations accurately.

While it's true that rapid developments in mathematics occurred after Brahe's time, his methods predominantly relied on geometry and observation, leaving the complex analysis required for deeper understanding beyond his grasp. Additionally, the works of later astronomers, such as Johannes Kepler, who built upon Brahe's data, exemplify how necessary mathematical understanding can illuminate astronomical discoveries, emphasizing how Brahe's limitations in this area hindered his ability to fully utilize the vast array of information he gathered.