We bring to you 10 interesting facts about Galileo Galilei

1. In 1581, at the age of 17, Galileo entered the University of Pisa to study medicine. However, he soon became fond of Mathematics.

2. He did not invent the pendulum. However, in 1583, Galileo discovered the principle that controls the motion of pendulums.

3. He was appointed as the Chair (head scholar) of Mathematics at the University of Pisa where he discovered the laws of falling objects.

4. Contrary to popular belief, Galileo did not invent the telescope.

5. With the help of his telescope, Galileo had observed four of the largest satellites of Jupiter, the biggest planet in the Solar System.

6. All of his astronomical observations were published in a short treatise named Siderius Nuncius or The Starry Messenger.

7. Galileo presented both sides of the heliocentrism debate in Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, in the year 1632.

8. Galileo spent the last nine years of his life under house arrest.

9. The Italian scientist also developed an advanced military compass, which could be used to target cannons against distant ships.

10. Galileo has helped future scientists understand the laws of physics better.