Astro2110 – The Solar System

My chosen historical astronomer is Galileo Galilei, an Italian astronomer known for developing the scientific method, improving the telescope, and living under house arrest. During Galilei’s life, in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII implemented the Gregorian calendar, the one we use today, to replace the previous Julian calendar. The Gregorian calendar is slightly more accurate. The English colony of Jamestown was founded during Galileo’s life, in 1607. Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Another historical figure alive during Galilei’s time was Elizabeth I, the Queen of England. Her long rule is known for stabilizing England and transforming it into a major naval power. It was interesting placing the astronomer and other historical events and figures side by side. Usually I have learned about astronomers like Galilei and Kepler as pretty separate – in fact I did not know they were alive at the same time. I also did not know Elizabeth I was the queen when Galilei was alive, or that Jamestown was founded in his lifetime. I suppose it makes sense to not put two and two together considering England and Italy are different countries, but it was surprising none the less.

Galileo Galilei [February 15, 1564–January 8, 1642] was important to astronomy because his work “answered all three objections” to Copernicus’s view of the solar system. These three objections were (1) “that Earth could not be moving,” (2) that orbits had to be circular because the heavens are “perfect and unchanging,” and (3) that Earth cannot orbit the Sun because the stellar parallax that would occur if that was true had yet to be detected. In answering these objections with his experiments, observations, and calculations, Galileo successfully proved that our solar system is in fact not geo-centric and that the Earth must revolve around the Sun.

In the early 17th century, North America was colonized by Europeans in search of religious and economic freedom.

In 1600, the Queen of England chartered the British East India Company for trade.

William Shakespeare [1564-1616] was a playwright and poet who is considered by many to be one of the best writers in history. He is responsible for writing over 37 plays, including comedies, histories, and tragedies, as well as many poems and sonnets.

This assignment was interesting because it not only helped me understand the importance of the work of several key historical astronomers, but also to place them within the historical context of the time period throughout the world. I think that I compartmentalize history, thinking about historical moments in their own groups, such as scientific, political, economic, artistic, etc. This assignment helped me appreciate the value of considering historical events holistically. As I considered the scientific breakthroughs of Galileo, I also considered the artistic breakthroughs of Shakespeare and the political breakthrough of the first colonists in North America.

Galileo Galilei Born: 2/15/1564 | Died: 1/8/1642 | Galileo Influence on Astronomy

1588: The Spanish Armada was defeated by Britain, which lessened Spain’s influence in the New World and increased English influence in the Americas. Britain also seized control of the Atlantic Ocean.

1620: The Mayflower Compact was signed. It was the first document to establish self-government in the New World. Plymouth Colony was founded in what would become Massachusetts.

William Shakespeare lived from 4/26/1564 to 4/23/1616 and his writing career was from 1585 to 1613. Shakespeare is arguably the most well-known author of all time and regarded by many as the greatest writer ever. He is known for his tragic love stories.

It is so interesting to research historical events and historical figures across different disciplines at the same time. Usually history is studied with a focus on a certain topic, like science, politics, or art. For example, I have learned about both Galileo and Shakespeare in school, but I had not realized that they’re incredible contributions were being made at the same time, for the most part. To think that two people who had an insane amount of influence on future generations lived and worked at the same time is fascinating.