The Accomplishment of Galileo Galilei in Physics and Astronomy

A legend says that Galileo climbed to the top of the Leaning tower of Pisa, and dropped two cannon balls of different weights to the ground. He wanted to prove that Aristotle’s theory was wrong. Aristotle believed heavier objects fall faster than light ones. According to this legend, Galileo proved him wrong. He found out that objects fall at the same rate unless wind resistance slows one down. Most people ignored his findings, and Aristotle’s view was still accepted. Isaac Newton later proved that Galileo was right all along. This help Isaac Newton to create the Law of Gravity.

Physics

Many people believe that Galileo Galilei was the first person to build a telescope, but this is not true. He is the first person to record his observations through a telescope. When Galileo read that Aristotle, a famous Greek philosopher, thought the Earth was at the center of our solar system, and all the planets revolved around us. Galileo thought to consider this topic deeper. Galileo agreed with Nicholas Copernicus, a Polish astronomer. Galileo, through his telescope found out that the planets orbited the Sun but not the Earth. When Galileo Galilei took his discovery to the Catholic Church, he was criticized on his findings. The Church taught that the Earth stood still and every other planet revolved around it. The Church supported Aristotle’s false discovery. The Inquisition ruled in 1616 that other theories could only be discussed as possibilities, but not as certain facts.

Galileo obeyed. Galileo later discussed his findings in one of his most famous books. The book was in the form of three people having a conversation. One was from the Catholic Church’s point of view. Church leaders on reading this book were mad with Galileo. The Inquisition acted against him in 1633. Galileo was arrested and put under trial. They found him a suspect of heresy. The church reminded Galileo of the fate of Giordano Bruno, who was burnt at stake. He too believed that the planets orbited the Sun. The inquisition forced Galileo to accept he was wrong. Galileo was then put under house arrest for the rest of his life.

Astronomy

Galileo Galilei was born on 15 February 1564. He was an Italian Polymath, known for his work in astronomy, physics, engineering, mathematics, and philosophy. Today, Galileo Galilei is best known for his conflict with the Catholic Church.