MICHAEL, a celebrated astronomer of Germany, born about 1542 in Würtemberg. He spent his youth in Italy, and during his residence in that country made the acquaintance of Galileo, whom it is said the powerful argumentation of Maestlin induced to renounce the system of Ptolemy in favour of that of Copernicus. On his return to Germany, he was appointed professor of mathematics at Tübingen, where he had Kepler for his pupil, and for whose instruction in mathematical science he declined to receive any pecuniary remuneration. Kepler afterwards speaks of his generous master in terms of gratitude and admiration, and found occasion, when Maestlin subsequently stood in need of sympathy and aid, of giving substantial expression to his affection for him. Maestlin died at Tübingen in 1590. His works are,—De Stella nova, Ephemerides, 1551; Thesis de Eclipsibus; Observatio et Demonstratio Comete anni 1577 et 1578, 4to, Tübing. 1578; Consideratio et Observatio Comete 1580, Heidelb. 1581; Alterum Examen Gregoriani Kalendarii, Tübing. 4to, 1586; Epitoma Astronomiae, Tübing. 1597.