Galileo Gallilei - The Paramount Astronomer of the 17th Century

so years that followed, it resisted action, and described Galileo's work in much the same way the had dealt with Copernicus's, that their "theories" were esoteric mathematical schemes which, though possibly consistent with observations, were only harmless exercises in mathematics, and nothing to take seriously.

Galileo, however, did not want his work to be relegated to such status, and worked diligently to produce his classic volume, "Dialogues on the Great World Systems" in 1632. To reduce his exposure to prosecution, Galileo carefully structured the prose as a discussion of the merits of the both the Ptolemaic and Copernican systems, without specifically endorsing either. However, the scientific evidence he had gathered and included was so overwhelming that no sensible person could prefer the Ptolemaic scheme. Though a clever guise, the method was viewed by the church as a thinly veiled slap in the face. Upon threat of torture by the Church, Galileo recanted and lived out his life under house arrest until his death nine years later.

The church's draconic actions, which bitterly ended both the life and brilliant scientific career of Galileo, would be a Pyrrhic victory. Galileo's work quickly became the basis for all future astronomy, immediately including the work of Newton, Huygens and Cassini. Galileo's Universe is now taught to every elementary student as wrote fact, and the man himeself is firmly ensconced as one of the great scientists in all of history.

Two curiosities: 1. Only in the last few years has the rightly absolved Galileo (after long since acknowledging his view of the Solar System as correct), 2. Why do we call him by his first name??

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