1. Brief Biography 2. Introduction and Background 3. Galileo’s Scientific Story 4. Galileo and the Church Bibliography Primary Sources: Galileo’s Works Secondary Sources Academic Tools Other Internet Resources Related Entries 1. Brief Biography Galileo was born in Pisa on February 15, 1564.

Early telescopes were primarily used for making Earth-bound observations, such as surveying and military tactics. Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was part of a small group of astronomers who turned telescopes towards the heavens. After hearing about the "Danish perspective glass" in 1609, Galileo constructed his own telescope.