Galileo Galilei

Galileo made groundbreaking contributions to astronomy, mechanics, and the scientific method. He was the first to systematically use a telescope for astronomical observations, discovering the moons of Jupiter, phases of Venus, mountains on the Moon, and sunspots. His work provided strong empirical evidence against the geocentric model and helped establish observation and experimentation as the foundation of science.

He studied at the University of Pisa, initially enrolling in medicine before turning to mathematics and natural philosophy. Although he did not complete a formal degree, his deep engagement with mathematics and physics shaped his innovative approach to scientific inquiry and teaching.