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 improving the telescope, a variety of
astronomical observations, the first law of motion, and
supporting Copernicanism effectively. 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. Galileo was born in Pisa, Italy, as the son of Vincenzo
Galilei, a mathematician and musician.