20 March 2014
The great astronomer Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was a contemporary of Johannes Kepler, but the two scientists rarely communicated. However, they were both responsible for founding the basis of the sciences that later allowed Isaac Newton to contribute to physics and astronomy.
Galileo had a famous story with the geocentric model of the cosmos, as he proposed that the Earth orbits the Sun, contrarily to the then common belief that the Sun orbits the Earth. At that time, the affair was the subject of a great controversy, not only among scientists, but also among thinkers and theologians. Galileo was then judged, and was accused of irreligion. Although he was cleared of the charge more than 400 years after his death, this trial is one of the most famous trials in history.
A detailed biography of Galileo, his conflict with the inquisition, and his achievements will be the subject of our Astronomy Night this month.
Schedule:
- Lecture
- A virtual space tour, presented through the Planetarium projectors
- Astronomy contest
- Lunar observations, conducted through the telescope at the Library’s Plaza
The Astronomy Night is presented by Dr. Omar Fikry, Head of the Planetarium Section.
Date: Thursday, 20 March 2014, at 5:00 p.m
Location: The Planetarium Theatre
This is a public event, save the date!
Admission is free.