Galileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei was an Italian Renaissance astronomer, physicist, mathematician, and philosopher born in Pisa in 1564. He is best known for his pivotal contributions to the scientific revolution, most notably his advocacy and support for the heliocentric model of the solar system proposed by Copernicus. Galileo's bold observations with his newly invented telescope during the early 17th century strengthened the evidence for a Sun-centered universe, fundamentally challenging the dominant geocentric view. His discoveries included the presence of mountains and craters on the Moon, the four largest moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, and sunspots, among others. However, his astronomical beliefs came into conflict with the Catholic Church's theological teachings, leading to his trial by the Roman Inquisition in 1633. Galileo was found guilty of heresy, forced to recant his heliocentric views, and placed under house arrest until his death in 1642. Despite this persecution, Galileo's pioneering work laid the foundations for modern physics and astronomy, leaving an indelible mark on scientific history.