Galileo Galilei
astronomer
Background
Feb 15,1564- born in Pisa, Italy
In the 1570s, he and his family moved to Florence.
At age 17, he began to study medicine.
1642- died in his home
Achievements
Invented the hydrostatic balance
Discovered 4 satellites of Jupiter
Verified the phases of Venus
Discovered sunspots
Proved Copernicus' theory
Proved that all objects regardless of density fall at the same rate
Phases of Venus
Thermoscope
Compass
Interesting Facts
In 1607, he published his first book about compasses he invented.
What he discovered about the moons of Jupiter helped sailors navigate the seas.
Impact on Today
He invented the thermoscope (original thermometer).
He also invented the geometric and military compass.
Works Cited
“Galileo Galilei.” Math & Mathematicians: The History of Math Discoveries Around the World. N.p.: Gale, 2008. N. pag. Biography in Context. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. <http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/bic1/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?failOverType=&query=&prodId=BIC1&windowstate=normal&contentModules=&mode=view&displayGroupName=Reference&limiter=&u=libe79362&currPage=&disableHighlighting=true&displayGroups=&sortBy=&source=&search_within_results=&p=BIC1&action=e&catId=&activityType=&scanId=&documentId=GALE%7CK1669000020>.
“Galileo Galilei.” Wikimedia Commons. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Mar. 2014. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Galileo-sustermans.jpg>.
“Geometric and Military Compass.” Biography In Context. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. <http://catalogue.museogalileo.it/gallery/GeometricMilitaryCompass_n01.html>.
Parker, Steve. Galileo and the Universe. London: Belitha, 1992. Print.
“Phases of Venus.” Biography in Context. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. <http://catalogue.museogalileo.it/gallery/PhasesVenus.html>.
Romanek, Trudee. Great Ideas of the Renaissance. New York: Crabtree, 2010. Print.
“Thermoscope.” Biography in Context. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. <http://catalogue.museogalileo.it/gallery/Thermoscope.html>.