Galileo Galilei (; 15 February 1564 – 8 January 1642), was an
Italian astronomer,
physicist,
engineer,
philosopher, and
mathematician who played a major role in the
scientific revolution during the
Renaissance. Galileo has been called the "father of
observational astronomy", the "father of modern
physics", and the "father of
science". His contributions to observational astronomy include the telescopic confirmation of the
phases of Venus, the discovery of the four largest satellites of
Jupiter (named the
Galilean moons in his honour), and the observation and analysis of
sunspots. Galileo also worked in applied science and technology, inventing an improved
military compass and other instruments.