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.

Named after Galileo

• The Galileo mission to Jupiter
• The Galilean moons of Jupiter
• Galileo Regio on Ganymede
• Galilaei crater on the Moon
• Galilaei crater on Mars
• Asteroid 697 Galilea (named on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the discovery of the Galilean moons)
• Galileo (unit)
• Galileo positioning system