GALILEO GALILEI Gli studi, le scoperte, il processo (1589-1638).

Summary

In 1589, Galileo began teaching mathematics in Pisa but soon moved to Padua, drawn by better opportunities. There, he flourished, making significant discoveries with the telescope, including the moons of Jupiter and Venus' phases, challenging the geocentric model. Despite opposition from the Church, Galileo defended Copernican theories, culminating in his famous work 'Dialogo.' However, his defiance led to a trial for heresy in 1633, forcing him to recant. Although placed under house arrest, his research laid the groundwork for future scientific breakthroughs, including Newton's laws of motion and gravity.

Takeaways

• 📚 Galileo taught mathematics in Pisa but moved to Padua for better financial support, where he considered the next 18 years as the best of his life.
• 🔭 In 1609, Galileo improved the telescope, transforming it into a scientific tool and using it to make groundbreaking astronomical observations.
• 🌔 Galileo observed the Moon's rugged surface, debunking Aristotle's idea that celestial bodies were perfectly smooth.
• 🌍 He discovered four moons orbiting Jupiter, providing evidence that not all celestial bodies revolve around the Earth.
• ☀️ Galileo supported the heliocentric theory of Copernicus, which placed the Sun at the center of the universe rather than the Earth.
• 📖 Galileo published his discoveries in 'Sidereus Nuncius,' gaining fame and later returned to Tuscany under the patronage of the Medici family.
• ✍️ In a letter to the Grand Duchess Christina, Galileo argued that the Bible should not be interpreted literally when it contradicts scientific evidence.
• ⚖️ In 1616, Galileo faced the Roman Inquisition, which warned him against promoting the heliocentric theory but stopped short of condemning him as a heretic.
• ☀️ Galileo's continued observations revealed sunspots, further challenging the Aristotelian view of perfect celestial bodies.
• 👨‍⚖️ In 1633, Galileo was tried by the Inquisition again, found guilty of supporting the heliocentric model, and forced to recant under threat of severe punishment.

Q & A

Where was Galileo born and where did he teach mathematics?

Galileo was born in Pisa and he taught mathematics in the same city where he was born.

Why did Galileo move to Padua?

Galileo moved to Padua because after the death of his father, the stipend of 80 Florins was not enough to support his family. The University of Padua offered him a position with a salary of 1000 ducats.

What was the significance of Galileo's move to Padua?

In Padua, Galileo resolved his economic problems and experienced what he considered the best 18 years of his life. He was also in an independent university protected by Venice, where he could teach mathematics in his unorthodox way.

How did Galileo transform the toy brought to him from the Netherlands?

Galileo transformed the toy, which was a device that magnified vision, into a scientific instrument known as the telescope or 'cannocchiale'.

What did Galileo observe about the moon using his telescope?

Galileo observed that the moon had a rough surface with valleys and mountains, contradicting Aristotle's theory of a smooth and perfect celestial body.

What was Galileo's discovery regarding Jupiter?

Galileo discovered four stars in line with the planet Jupiter and noticed they moved and revolved around the planet, which were the moons of Jupiter.

What did Galileo conclude from his observations of Venus?

Galileo discovered the phases of Venus, which demonstrated that the planet did not revolve around the Earth but around the Sun, supporting Copernicus's heliocentric theory.

Why did Galileo's discoveries lead to conflict with the Church?

Galileo's discoveries supported the heliocentric model, which contradicted the geocentric model supported by the Church and was considered heretical.

What was the outcome of Galileo's trial in 1633?

Galileo was found guilty of violating the Church's ban on spreading Copernicus's theories and was sentenced to house arrest. He was also forced to recant his heliocentric views.

What did Galileo work on during his house arrest?

During his house arrest, Galileo worked on mathematical problems and studied the motion of bodies, eventually writing 'Discorsi e dimostrazioni matematiche intorno a due nuove scienze', which laid the groundwork for Newton's laws of motion and universal gravitation.

What was Galileo's significant contribution to physics?

Galileo's significant contribution to physics includes the law of falling bodies, which he studied extensively using the inclined plane to demonstrate that falling motion is uniformly accelerated.