Science is based off of the principle of advancing; that people will continue to add onto it as time goes one. Great scientists have many inspirations that allowed them to make their discoveries. One perfect example of this is how Galileo Galilei supported and worked off the discoveries of the heliocentric theory made by Nicolaus Copernicus. The helipcenter theory, published by Copernicus in 1543, suggested that the sun is the center of a galaxy. Galileo showed support for this theory in 1632, erupting many controversies in his community.
Heliocentric Theory
Geocentric Theory
Most of this controversy started when he published the book Dialogue on the Great World Systems. It discussed the two different views on the arrangement of our solar system. The existing, and accepted system was that due to Claudius Ptolemy introduced in the 2nd century AD, although it had its roots in Aristotle's philosophy of the 4th century BC, suggested that our solar system was geocentric (all the planets and sun rotate around the earth). When Copernicus propsed the new, unaccepted theory of heliocentric, all were skeptical. The Church was so used to believing that the geocentric theory was correct, they simply tossed aside the proposal made by Copernicus. But, in 1632, when Galileo showed support for Copernicus's theory, much dispute arose from the Catholic Church because Galileo was such a respected figure. Galileo used his telescope to observe the planets, like Venus and Jupiter, orbiting to prove that the geocentric theory could not be true. The Catholic church could not risk any conflict between the two theories, so they ordered Galileo to trial in 1633. The Church propsed that Copernicus's theory had to be wrong; becuase of its contradiction with the literal text of the Bible. They ordered Galileo to admit that the Copernican theory was false and should be abandonned. Now, after many trials with cardinals of the church, Galileo is allowed to live in his farmhouse for the rest of his life.
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