Galileo Galilei
1564–1642, Pisa, Italy, Arcetri, Italy
Newtonian mechanics
Italian physicist, astronomer and mathematician who laid the experimental foundations of mechanics and defended the heliocentric model of the universe.
Galileo pioneered the modern experimental method: using inclined-plane experiments to study falling motion, finding that all objects fall with the same acceleration regardless of mass (in vacuum) — directly foreshadowing Newton's later law of inertia. He also improved the telescope and was the first to observe Jupiter's moons, strongly supporting the Copernican model, which led to conflict with the Catholic Church.
Workplaces: University of Padua
Italy