Galileo Galilei (1564 – 1642) was an Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer, widely regarded as the father of modern science. His contributions to astronomy, motion, and scientific methodology laid the foundation for modern physics. His work challenged Aristotelian physics and reinforced Copernican heliocentrism, revolutionizing humanity’s understanding of the cosmos.
Born in Pisa, he initially studied medicine but shifted to mathematics and physics. In 1609, he built an improved telescope, leading to groundbreaking observations, including the moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, and sunspots, which provided strong evidence for the heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus.
His support for heliocentrism brought him into conflict with the Catholic Church. In 1632, his book Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems was condemned, and he was tried by the Inquisition. Forced to recant, he spent the rest of his life under house arrest, but continued scientific work.
In 1638, he published Two New Sciences, pioneering the study of kinematics and material strength. He died in 1642, leaving an enduring legacy that shaped modern astronomy, physics, and scientific thought.