Contents
Galileo Galilei
Using telescopic observations to challenge the Earth-centred universe.
Sidereus Nuncius · Dialogue
- Born
- 15 February 1564
- Birthplace
- Pisa, Italy
- Died
- 8 January 1642
More people
Galileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei was an Italian astronomer and natural philosopher. His observations of the sky and investigations of motion helped strengthen the role of measurement and mathematical argument in the study of nature.
Early life
A musical family
His father Vincenzo was a musician and music theorist.
Medicine to mathematics
Entered the University of Pisa to study medicine but turned towards mathematics.
Career
- 1589
Pisa appointment
Became a mathematics lecturer at the University of Pisa.
- 1592–1610
Padua years
Taught mathematics and investigated mechanics and instruments.
- 1609–1610
Telescopic astronomy
Improved a telescope and used it to observe the Moon, planets and stars.
- 1633 onward
House arrest
After his trial by the Roman Inquisition, continued research under restrictions.
Contributions
Sidereus Nuncius
Reported mountains on the Moon and four satellites of Jupiter.
Dialogue
Compared rival models of the cosmos through a conversation.
Two New Sciences
Presented investigations of motion and material strength.
Beyond the lab
Family
Had three children with Marina Gamba; his daughter Maria Celeste corresponded closely with him.
Church conflict
Was compelled to renounce his support for the Earth’s motion in 1633.
Sources & photo credit
Life and career ↗Institutional or specialist reference ↗Photo: Justus Sustermans. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.