Galileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) was an Italian astronomer, physicist, and mathematician who played a crucial role in the scientific revolution. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest scientists of all time.
Galileo made numerous significant contributions to various fields of science. In astronomy, he built his own telescope and made groundbreaking observations that supported the heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus, which stated that the Earth and other planets orbit the Sun. Galileo's observations of the phases of Venus, the moons of Jupiter, and the mountains on the Moon provided compelling evidence for the heliocentric theory.
In addition to his astronomical work, Galileo made important contributions to the development of mechanics. He formulated the laws of motion and the principle of inertia, which later influenced Isaac Newton's work on classical mechanics.
Galileo's support for the heliocentric model and his outspoken advocacy of scientific truth brought him into conflict with the Catholic Church, particularly with the Inquisition. He was eventually tried and convicted of heresy for his belief in heliocentrism and was forced to recant his views. He spent the rest of his life under house arrest, but his ideas continued to spread, ultimately contributing to the transformation of scientific thought. Despite his persecution, Galileo's work laid the foundation for modern physics and astronomy.