Galileo

Analytical Essay # 1438

Astronomy

Galileo

A look at the contributions of the revolutionary astronomer, scientist and mathematician.

1,685 words () | 3 sources | 2000 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at the numerous contributions that Galileo made in the areas of mathematics, physics, and astronomy and shows how he symbolizes the struggle against the Catholic Church and the freedom of scientific inquiry during the Renaissance period.

From the Paper:

"As a young man, Galileo showed very little interest in astronomy and focused more on mathematics and physics. Beginning in 1595, however, he became interested in the theory made by Copernicus in the early 1500s. Copernicus's theory consisted of a heliocentric model where the Earth revolves around the sun. This was contrary to the assumptions made by Aristotle and Ptolemy where the heavenly bodies, including the sun, revolved around a stationary Earth.

In July 1609, a most extraordinary event occurred which startled the world and changed the life of Galileo. A man in the Netherlands by the name of Hans Lippershey, who was an eyeglass spectacles maker, had invented a device that magnified distant objects immensely."