Galileo Galilei was an Italian astronomer, physicist, and mathematician who is widely considered as the father of modern science. He was born in Pisa, Italy in 1564 and is best known for his contributions to the fields of astronomy and physics. Galileo's most significant achievements include his observations of the moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, and the sunspots on the surface of the sun. He also made important contributions to the development of the scientific method and played a crucial role in popularizing heliocentrism - the idea that the Earth revolves around the sun. However, his support for this theory brought him into conflict with the Catholic Church, which at that time believed in geocentrism - that Earth was at the center of the universe. Despite facing persecution and being placed under house arrest by the Church, Galileo continued to conduct experiments and make groundbreaking discoveries until his death in 1642. His work laid the foundation for modern physics and astronomy, and he remains one of history's most influential scientists.
