Over the years, Galileo Galilei He would become one of the most influential scientists in history, revolutionizing the physical and astronomical sciences. He was a pioneer of the experimental method, a key figure in the Scientific Revolution, and is credited with being the “father of modern science.”
Galileo began his academic career devoting himself to the study of physics and motion, which led him to question the dominant Aristotelian theories. By the age of 28 he was already working in the field of military architecture and mechanical creations, which cemented his reputation as a scholar and theorist. However, It was at the age of 45, when he perfected the use of the telescope, that he made the first detailed observations of the Moon., transforming astronomical observation forever.
Despite his scientific achievements, Galileo faced opposition from the Church, which was unwilling to accept his astronomical findings, especially his support for Copernicus' heliocentric theory. His best-known work on this subject, “Dialogue on the Two Great World Systems”, was the trigger that aggravated his conflict with the Church. As a result, Galileo was tried and sentenced to life imprisonment, although he was allowed to serve his sentence under house arrest in his villa in Arcetri.
Galileo's background and youth
Galileo Galilei was born on February 15, 1564 in Pisa, a small Italian state that was still part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Son of Vincenzo Galilei, a talented musician and mathematician, From a young age he was exposed to scientific and philosophical discussionsIn his youth, his education was first supervised by a private tutor and then by the convent of Santa Maria de Vallombrosa near Florence.
At the age of 17, his entry into the University of Pisa marked the beginning of his academic career. Although his father enrolled him in medical studies, he soon discovered his true passion: mathematics. His fascination with numbers and physical phenomena transcended medicine and led him to connect with personalities such as Ostilio Ricci, who introduced him to mathematics applied to natural philosophy.
Galileo's technological innovations
In addition to his role in the field of astronomy, Galileo also made important technological contributions. Among his most significant innovations are the geometric and military compass, which was designed in late 1597. This instrument, which allowed a wide range of mathematical and geometric calculations to be performed, was widely used by military personnel and architects.
In his quest to improve scientific tools, he also designed the thermoscope, a precursor to the modern thermometer, which made it possible to measure temperature variations with great precision.
Astronomical discoveries with the telescope
Galileo's interest in astronomy was heightened after he learned of a simple optical device called a telescope, manufactured in Holland. Rather than merely imitating it, Galileo perfected it in 1609 and began using it to observe the sky. These advances enabled him to make the first revolutionary discoveries in the field of astronomy as described in his work “Sidereus Nuncius”.
- Moon Observations: Galileo was the first to observe lunar mountains and craters, challenging the Aristotelian belief that celestial bodies were perfect and smooth.
- Phases of Venus: These cycles strongly supported Copernicus' heliocentric theory by demonstrating that Venus revolves around the Sun.
- Moons of Jupiter: Galileo first identified four moons orbiting Jupiter, now called the Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.
- Sunspots: Through multiple observations of the Sun, he identified dark spots, something that challenged the conception that the Sun was an immutable object.
The conflict with the Church
Galileo's discovery of the nature of the solar system was not well received by the Church. His defense of the heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus led him to be accused of heresyThe Church, at that time, firmly held to the Ptolemaic geocentric model, which held that the Earth was the center of the universe.
Galileo attempted to defend himself by arguing that the Bible should not be interpreted literally in scientific matters, but this approach only increased the persecution against him. In 1633, the Inquisition formally accused him of heresy and, after a dramatic trial, he was forced to renounce his ideas. Although he publicly retracted it, he is believed to have muttered the famous phrase “Eppur si muove” (And yet it moves), referring to the movement of the Earth around the Sun.
Galileo's later years and legacy
Galileo spent the last years of his life under house arrest at his home in Arcetri, near Florence. Despite his health problems, he did not stop working on his research. In 1638, already completely blind, he published his last major work, “Discourses and mathematical demonstrations on two new sciences”, in which he laid the foundations of modern mechanics.
On January 8, 1642, Galileo died at the age of 77. Although he was persecuted and condemned during his lifetime, his scientific legacy survived. In 1992, the Catholic Church, under the papacy of John Paul II, officially admitted its error in condemning Galileo., rehabilitating his name.
Today, Galileo is remembered as the pioneer who challenged obscurantism with reason and science, inspiring generations of scientists and ushering in a new era in scientific research.
Galileo not only changed the way we observe the sky, but laid the foundations for modern science, promoting an approach based on experimentation, testing and empirical observation. His ability to question certainties and open new avenues of knowledge makes him one of the most important figures in the history of humanity.