Italian Astronomer, Physicist, and Mathematician 1564–1642

Galileo's many important discoveries put him in direct opposition to the Catholic Church, the ruling body of the time. Only centuries later would Galileo be cleared of heresy.

Galileo Galilei is a pivotal figure in intellectual and scientific history. His ideas and activities were integral to the Scientific Revolution, which resulted in world-changing advances in science and technology, and in fundamental changes in the way reality is perceived.

Galileo was born in Pisa, Italy, in 1564. In 1581, he entered the University of Pisa, where his father wanted him to study medicine. But Galileo was interested in mathematics and philosophy, and he left the university without a degree. In 1589, he taught mathematics at the university, but lost his job by challenging Aristotelian teachings held by the university and the Catholic Church. However, he immediately became professor of mathematics at the University of Padua...