Synopsis Life of Galileo

1636 portrait of galileo galilei giusto sustermans

galileo, eminent professor , scientist in 17th century venetian republic, short of money. prospective student tells him novel invention, telescope ( queer tube thing ), being sold in amsterdam. galileo replicates it, , offers republic own creation. gains increase in salary, within short time ruse discovered.

galileo uses telescope careful observations of moon , planets, , discovers moons orbiting jupiter. observations support nicolaus copernicus heliocentric model of our solar system, counter both popular belief , doctrine of powerful roman catholic church. furthermore publishes in vernacular italian, rather traditional scientific latin, making work , conclusions more accessible common people.

his daughter s engagement well-off young man (with whom genuinely in love) broken because of galileo s reluctance distance himself unorthodox teachings. galileo brought vatican in rome interrogation inquisition. upon being threatened torture, recants teachings. students shocked surrender in face of pressure church authorities.

galileo, old , broken, living under house arrest priest monitoring activities, visited 1 of former pupils, andrea. galileo gives him book (two new sciences) containing scientific discoveries, asking him smuggle out of italy dissemination abroad. andrea believes galileo s actions heroic , recanted fool ecclesiastical authorities. however, galileo insists actions had nothing heroism merely result of self-interest.