Galileo Galilei

Born

Feb 15, 1564

Pisa, Duchy of Florence, Italy

Enrols as medical student at University of Pisa

Apr 21, 1581

Career as a scientist

Sep 1, 1581

Galileo created a thermoscope (forerunner of the thermometer).

Attends mathematics lecture by Ostilio Ricci and decides to study math and science

Apr 21, 1582

Leaves University of Pisa without degree and works as tutor

Apr 21, 1585

Career as a scientist

Apr 21, 1586

Galileo Galilei in 1586 published a small book on the design of a hydrostatic balance.

Career as a scientist

Apr 21, 1589

In 1589, Galileo Galilei was appointed to the chair of mathematics in Pisa.

Career as a scientist

Apr 21, 1592

Galileo Galilei moved to the University of Padua, teaching geometry, mechanics, and astronomy until 1610. During this period, Galileo made significant discoveries in both pure fundamental science (for example, kinematics of motion and astronomy) as well as practical applied science (for example, strength of materials and improvement of the telescope).

Invents improved ballistics calculation geometric and military compass, which he later improves for surveying and general calculations and earns income from tutoring on its use

Apr 21, 1595

Jupiter

Jan 7, 1604

His observations of the satellites of Jupiter caused a revolution in astronomy that reverberates to this day: a planet with smaller planets orbiting it did not conform to the principles of Aristotelian cosmology, which held that all heavenly bodies should circle the Earth and many astronomers and philosophers initially refused to believe that Galileo could have discovered such a thing. His observations were confirmed

Astronomy

Mar 21, 1610

Galileo showed the Doge of Venice how to use the telescope, Galileo first noted an observation of the moons of Jupiter. This observation upset the notion that all celestial bodies must revolve around the Earth. Galileo published a full description in Sidereus Nuncius in March 1610.

Galileo, Kepler and theories of tides.

Apr 21, 1616

He circulated his first account of the tides in 1616, addressed to Cardinal Orsini. His theory gave the first insight into the importance of the shapes of ocean basins in the size and timing of tides; he correctly accounted, for instance, for the negligible tides halfway along the Adriatic Sea compared to those at the ends. As a general account of the cause of tides, however, his theory was a failure.

Death

Jan 8, 1648

Galileo continued to receive visitors until 1642, when, after suffering fever and heart palpitations, he died on 8 January 1642, aged 77. He was instead buried in a small room next to the novices' chapel at the end of a corridor from the southern transept of the basilica to the sacristy, because Galileo was condemned by the Catholic Church for "vehement suspicion of heresy".