Born on February 15, 1564, in Italy, Galileo Galilei was initially destined for a medical career by his father but chose to pursue mathematics and natural philosophy instead
In 1609, Galileo crafted a telescope, leading to groundbreaking astronomical discoveries, including the rugged surface of the moon, countless stars in the Milky Way, Jupiter's moons, and Saturn's rings
Galileo's observations were published in 1610 in a landmark booklet, 'Starry Messenger,' challenging existing celestial beliefs
Although initially met with skepticism and hostility from Jesuit astronomers and the Catholic Church, Galileo's findings eventually gained recognition among some scientists
Galileo was celebrated in Rome in 1611 for his astronomical discoveries, despite growing opposition to his heliocentric views—that the Earth revolves around the Sun
Galileo's advocacy for the heliocentric system, contradicting the Church's geocentric view, led to accusations of heresy and a trial by the Inquisition in 1616
Despite being warned, Galileo published this work in 1632, further criticizing geocentrism and leading to a second trial and house arrest
Under house arrest, Galileo continued his work until his death on January 8, 1642. His burial was initially hidden to avoid conflict with the Church
Centuries later, in 1773, Galileo's remains were moved to a prominent tomb. In 1992, Pope John Paul II acknowledged errors in the Church's judgment against Galileo but stopped short of fully absolving the Church
Today, Galileo is celebrated as one of history's greatest scientists, his life and work symbolizing the conflict between science and religious orthodoxy