Scientist

Galileo Galilei

1564–1642 · Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics
Italian physicist, astronomer, and mathematician, the 'father of modern science'. He was the first to systematically use the experimental method and mathematical description in natural science. He improved the telescope and made revolutionary astronomical discoveries, confirming the Copernican heliocentric system. He formulated the principle of relativity and the law of inertia, laying the foundations of classical mechanics.

Biography

Born in Pisa. Studied at the University of Pisa, then taught mathematics in Padua and later was court mathematician in Florence. For supporting heliocentrism, he was tried by the Inquisition and forced to recant. Author of 'Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems'.

Key discoveries

💡 Galileo was a skilled lute player and passed his love of music to his son, who became a composer.
"He reportedly said that it still moves, referring to the Earth's motion."
Concepts
galaxygravitynatural satelliteSunsupernova
Laws
Newton's first lawNewton's second law
Scientists
Robert HookeJacob BekensteinSubrahmanyan ChandrasekharKarl SchwarzschildJoseph WeberFred HoyleAdam RiessJohn Archibald Wheeler

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