Galileo Galilei
Scientist (1564-1642)
Pisan-born Galileo developed the astronomical telescope and then used it todiscover the first extraterrestrial planetary satellites—the four largest moons ofJupiter. His observationsconvinced him that Copernicus’s sun-centered theory ofplanetary motion was correct, but his book expounding that theory, “DialogueConcerning the Two Chief World Systems,” was deemed heretical by theInquisition. Old and sick, he abjured his findings andwas sentenced to lifelonghouse arrest, but he is now considered by many to be the father of modernscience. (Provided by Fra Noi/Written by Peter D’Epiro)For more geniuses, go to https://www.jccia.com/genius