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Galileo is one of the more noted scientific figures about whom much is known.
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He was born to Vincenzo and Giuliana Galilei as one of six children.
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Galileo has been called the "father of modern observational astronomy," the "father of modern physics," the "father of science," and "the father of modern science."
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His work extends into the fields of physics, mathematics, engineering, astronomy, and philosophy.
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Some of Galileo's chief contributions to application science was in the improvements to telescope technology, along with better military compasses and other scientific tools.
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These improvements made it possible for Galileo to improve upon the original work of Copernicus, who theorized a heliocentric model for the solar system, rather than a geocentric one.
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Galileo's work with more advanced telescopic properties allowed him to discover the phases of Venus, four of Jupiter's moons, and sunspots.
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He was a very controversial figure in his day for his work in heliocentric study.
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His fellow astronomers opposed his theories and his obsessing with Copernicus' work.
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In 1615, the Roman Inquisition investigated the matter and declared it to be in violation of church teachings; Galileo was forbidden to continue writing and supporting heliocentric ideas.
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He was eventually tried by the church and found suspect of heresy. The church forced him to recant his teachings and he was made to spend the rest of his life under house arrest.
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While imprisoned in his home, Galileo wrote some of his most well-received and well-known works.
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Before this point, he was the chair of mathematics in Pisa, and then later at the University of Padua.
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He is responsible for a number of noted experiments, many of which he embarked upon while chairing the departments at those universities.
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