Galileo

Galileo Galilei (15 February 1564 – 8 January 1642) was an Italian astronomer, physicist and engineer, sometimes described as a polymath, from Pisa. Galileo has been called the "father of observational astronomy", the "father of modern physics", the "father of the scientific method", and the "father of modern science".

Early life and career[edit | edit source]

Galileo was born in Pisa, Italy, on 15 February 1564, the first of six children of Vincenzo Galilei, a famous lutenist, composer, and music theorist, and Giulia Ammannati. In 1581, Galileo enrolled at the University of Pisa to study medicine, but his interests soon turned to the field of natural philosophy and mathematics, and he left the university without a degree in 1585.

Scientific contributions[edit | edit source]

Galileo's contributions to observational astronomy include the telescopic confirmation of the phases of Venus, the discovery of the four largest satellites of Jupiter, and the observation and analysis of sunspots. Galileo also worked in applied science and technology, inventing an improved military compass and other instruments.

Conflict with the Church[edit | edit source]

Galileo's championing of heliocentrism and Copernicanism was controversial within his lifetime. The matter was investigated by the Roman Inquisition in 1615, and they concluded that heliocentrism was "foolish and absurd in philosophy, and formally heretical since it explicitly contradicts in many places the sense of Holy Scripture". Galileo later defended his views in his most famous work, Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, which appeared to attack Pope Urban VIII and thus alienated him and the Jesuits, who had both supported Galileo up until this point.

Death and legacy[edit | edit source]

Galileo continued to receive visitors until 1642, when, after suffering fever and heart palpitations, he died on 8 January 1642, aged 77. The Grand Duke of Tuscany, Ferdinando II, wished to bury him in the main body of the Basilica of Santa Croce, next to the tombs of his father and other ancestors, but this was not permitted by the Pope.

Galileo's work in physics and astronomy, and his role in promoting the Copernican system, have ensured his place as one of the most important figures in the history of science.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

The Galileo Project at Rice University
Galileo at Encyclopædia Britannica

Galileo Resources
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