Galileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was an Italian scientist who made significant contributions to physics, astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy. His research and discoveries laid the foundation for modern science and changed our understanding of the universe.

Early years and education
Galileo was born on February 15, 1564, in Pisa, Italy.
He studied medicine at the University of Pisa, but soon switched to mathematics and physics, showing great interest in these disciplines.

Major achievements
Astronomy: Galileo made important discoveries with the telescope, which he improved:
Lunar craters and mountains: Galileo was the first to see irregularities on the surface of the Moon, disproving the notion that it was perfectly spherical.
Satellites of Jupiter: In 1610 he discovered the four largest satellites of Jupiter (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto), now known as the “Galilean satellites.”
Phases of Venus: Observations of the phases of Venus confirmed Copernicus' heliocentric model.
Sunspots: Galileo discovered sunspots on the Sun, which also contradicted the idea of its perfect purity.

Physics: Galileo contributed to mechanics and dynamics:
Law of Inertia: Galileo's research led to the formulation of the law of inertia, which was later refined and developed by Isaac Newton.
Falling Body Experiments: Galileo disproved the Aristotelian theory that heavier objects fall faster than lighter ones. His experiments showed that in a vacuum, all bodies fall with the same acceleration.
Mathematics: Galileo applied mathematical methods to the study of physical phenomena, which became the basis for the development of classical mechanics.

Conflict with the church
Galileo supported Copernicus' heliocentric model, which caused conflict with the Catholic Church, which adhered to Ptolemy's geocentric model.
In 1616, the Inquisition warned Galileo not to promote heliocentrism.
In 1632 he published Dialogue on the Two Systems of the World, which led to a new trial.
In 1633, Galileo was found guilty of heresy and forced to recant his views. He was sentenced to house arrest, where he spent the last years of his life.

Legacy
Galileo Galilei is considered one of the founders of modern science.
His work had a tremendous influence on subsequent generations of scientists and philosophers.
Galileo contributed to the development of the scientific method based on observation, experimentation, and mathematical analysis.