Galileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei (Pisa, February 15, 1564 – Arcetri, January 8, 1642), was a Tuscan astronomer, philosopher, and physicist who is closely associated with the scientific revolution. His achievements include improvements to the telescope, a variety of astronomical observations, the first , and effective support for Copernicanism. He has been referred to as the "father of modern astronomy," as the "father of modern physics," and as "father of science." His experimental work is widely considered complementary to the writings of Francis Bacon in establishing the modern scientific method. Galileo's career coincided with that of Johannes Kepler. The work of Galileo is considered to be a significant break from that of Aristotle. In addition, his conflict with the Roman Catholic Church is taken as a major early example of the conflict of authority and freedom of thought, particularly with science, in Western society.

Galileo's family

Galileo's parents were were Vincenzo Galilei and Guilia Ammannati. Vincenzo, born in Florence in 1520, was a musician. Guilia, who was born in Pescia, married Vincenzo in 1563. Galileo was their first child.

Related Topics:
1520 - 1563

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Although a devout Catholic, Galileo fathered three children out of wedlock. All were the children of Galileo and Marina Gamba. Because of their illegitimate birth, both girls were sent to the convent of San Matteo in Arcetri at early ages.

Related Topics:
Catholic - Marina Gamba

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• Virginia (b. 1600) who took the name Maria Celeste upon entering a convent. Galileo's eldest child, the most beloved, and inherited her father's sharp mind. She is buried with Galileo at the Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze.
• Livia (b. 1601) took the name Suor Arcangela. Was sickly for most of her life at the convent.
• Vincenzio (b. 1606) was later legitimized and married Sestilia Bocchineri.