Galileo Galilei's Milestones

Galileo Galilei was an Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer whose support for heliocentrism and scientific method earned him the title 'father of modern science.'
1564

Birth

Galileo Galilei was born in Pisa, Italy, to Vincenzo Galilei and Giulia Ammannati.

Family February 15, 1564
1574

Early education

Received early education at the Camaldolese Monastery of Vallombrosa near Florence.

Education January 1, 1574 - January 1, 1581
1581

University of Pisa

Studied medicine and mathematics at the University of Pisa, but left without a degree.

Education January 1, 1581 - January 1, 1585
1589

Lecturer in Pisa

Appointed as a mathematics lecturer at the University of Pisa; conducted experiments on motion.

Career January 1, 1589 - January 1, 1592
1592

Professorship in Padua

Professor of mathematics at the University of Padua, made significant discoveries in physics and astronomy.

Career January 1, 1592 - January 1, 1610
1610

Discovery of Jupiter's moons

Discovered the four largest moons of Jupiter (Galilean moons) using his improved telescope.

Achievement January 7, 1610

Published 'Sidereus Nuncius'

Published 'Sidereus Nuncius,' reporting his celestial observations.

Achievement March 13, 1610

Appointed court mathematician

Appointed Chief Mathematician and Philosopher to the Grand Duke of Tuscany in Florence.

Career July 10, 1610
1613

Published 'Letters on Sunspots'

Published 'Letters on Sunspots,' supporting the heliocentric model.

Achievement January 1, 1613
1616

Conflict with the Church

Faced opposition from the Catholic Church for supporting heliocentrism; ordered not to teach heliocentrism as fact.

Other February 26, 1616 - June 22, 1633
1632

Published 'Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems'

Published his major work comparing the Copernican and Ptolemaic systems, leading to his trial.

Achievement February 22, 1632
1633

Trial and house arrest

Tried by the Inquisition and placed under house arrest for the rest of his life.

Other June 22, 1633 - January 8, 1642
1642

Death

Galileo died in Arcetri, near Florence, Italy.

Other January 8, 1642