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Galileo Galilei was an Italian astronomer, physicist, and mathematician who made significant contributions to the fields of science and astronomy. He is best known for his observations and discoveries using the telescope, which revolutionized our understanding of the universe. Galileo was a key figure in the Scientific Revolution and played a crucial role in advancing the heliocentric model of the solar system, which stated that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. Despite facing opposition from the Catholic Church, Galileo’s work laid the foundation for modern astronomy and his ideas continue to influence scientific thought today.

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Have you ever utilized a telescope? Are you familiar with the numerous moons of Jupiter? Maybe you’ve been taught that the Earth orbits around the sun. If that’s the case, then you’ve been influenced by the subject of today’s Wonder of the Day. Who are we referring to? Galileo, obviously!

Galileo Galilei was born in Pisa, Italy, in 1564. His family relocated to Florence, and Galileo received his education in a nearby monastery. Later, he returned to Pisa to attend the university in the city.

What did Galileo study in school? Originally, his plan was to learn about medicine. However, he soon developed a greater interest in mathematics and physics. He also delved into the study of philosophy. However, Galileo never finished his degree and left the university in 1585.

Nevertheless, Galileo continued to pursue knowledge for the rest of his life. He observed and studied the world around him. He also conducted numerous experiments to satisfy his curiosity. Later in life, this thirst for knowledge would cause Galileo a great deal of trouble.

Many people admired Galileo. He was renowned as an excellent teacher and scientist. However, there were others who considered Galileo’s ideas to be dangerous. His harshest critics were leaders of the Catholic Church.

What led the Church to view Galileo’s ideas as dangerous? Their most significant conflicts arose when Galileo began constructing telescopes in 1609. Galileo didn’t invent the telescope, but he did make significant improvements to the device. His telescopes were far more powerful than any others made during his lifetime.

Galileo was also the first person known to use a telescope to observe space. He discovered that the moon had craters and mountains. He observed Saturn and was the first to notice its rings. He also identified sunspots. However, one of his discoveries in particular put him at odds with the Catholic Church. Galileo found evidence to suggest that Earth was not the center of the universe.

That might not seem like a groundbreaking idea to you. However, during Galileo’s lifetime, the majority of people believed that everything in the sky—the sun, moon, planets, and stars—revolved around our planet. The Church taught that God had created the universe with Earth as the center.

What evidence did Galileo have to prove that the Church’s ideas about the solar system were incorrect? Firstly, he learned that Venus revolved around the sun instead of the Earth. Additionally, Galileo discovered the first four moons that orbit Jupiter. Discoveries like these led him to believe that the sun was the actual center of our solar system.

Eventually, Galileo’s disagreements with the Catholic Church caught up with him. In 1632, he was summoned before the Inquisition. This was a branch of the Church that aimed to eradicate heresy. After a lengthy trial, Galileo was found guilty. He was placed under house arrest until his passing on January 8, 1642.

It took many more years for the Catholic Church to fully accept his discoveries. Today, Galileo is celebrated as one of the greatest minds in history. He made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics, physics, and astronomy.

Which of Galileo’s discoveries do you find most impressive? Have you ever observed anything interesting through the lens of a telescope?

Try It Out

Continue learning like Galileo did! Seek the assistance of an adult to try out the activities listed below.

Exploring the Night Sky

You don’t have to rely on a telescope to observe objects in the night sky. Why not try stargazing with the help of a friend or family member? On a clear night, step outside and take a look at the sky. What do you notice? Are there any planets or constellations visible? Is there anything unfamiliar? What could it possibly be?

If you’re ready to delve even deeper into space, NASA’s picture gallery of the Solar System and Beyond is worth exploring. Select one of the featured objects and learn more about it. You can ask an adult to assist you in researching your chosen object online or at your local library.

Did you know that Galileo wasn’t the first person to propose that the sun was the center of the solar system? Take some time to read about Nicolaus Copernicus. What new information did you discover? Now, imagine that a friend or family member is curious about Copernicus. What essential details should they be aware of? Write a paragraph summarizing what you learned.

Wonder Sources

• https://www.britannica.com/biography/Galileo-Galilei (accessed 06 April 2020)
• https://www.biography.com/scholar/galileo (accessed 06 April 2020)
• https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/Galileos-Revolutionary-Vision-Helped-Usher-In-Modern-Astronomy-34545274/ (accessed 06 April 2020)
• https://www.biography.com/news/galileo-discoveries-theories-modern-physics-astronomy (accessed 07 April 2020)