UC Berkeley Astronomy and the International Year of Astronomy present
FREE Public Astronomy Lecture by UC Berkeley History Professor Roger Hahn
A Troublesome Pioneer: Galileo Galilei
- When
- Sat Jul 18, 2009
- Where
- UC Berkeley (CAL)
- Time
- 11:00am-12:00pm
- Tags
- Education
Description
Galileo revolutionized astronomy by turning his telescope to the heavens in 1609. The full story of his achievements is replete with complications that make it difficult for modern man to realize how troublesome his discoveries were in his own times. 400 years later we picture him as a critical link in the progress of our understanding; but in his own times he was soundly criticized and properly condemned.Born in France, Roger Hahn, now retired as a Professor of History, has taught the history of science at Berkeley for the past 48 years, and is an expert on classical celestial mechanics of the solar system. More than many other past figures of significance, Galileo has been exclusively judged by modern standards. As a professional historian, Hahn is a strong believer in setting the past in its context. Seen in this perspective Galileo was a serious troublemaker. He deserved much of the reproach he encountered.
More Info
- Link
- http://astro.berkeley.edu/iya/
- Call
- 510.642.5275
- Contact Form (account required)
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