MEDIA ADVISORY: Was Galileo a Scientific Martyr?

MU professor will discuss Galileo’s contribution to science

March 5th, 2010

WHAT: The public is invited to learn about Italian astronomer, physicist and mathematician Galileo Galilei’s contribution to science and his trial as a heretic by the Roman Catholic Church for his theory that the sun, not the Earth, is the center of the universe. After the lecture, the public is invited to view constellations from the Laws Observatory. 

The Cosmic Conversations lecture series is hosted by the University Of Missouri Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Laws Observatory and the Central Missouri Astronomical Association.

WHO: Mark Smith, Curators’ Professor of History, will present “Was Galileo Really a Martyr for Scientific Truth?” Smith’s main academic interests are in medieval history, as well as the history of science from antiquity to the late Enlightenment period.

WHERE: Room 120, Physics Building, MU Campus

Laws Observatory is located on the fifth floor of the Physics Building.

WHEN: Discussion: 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 3.

Observatory Hours: 8 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays.

NOTE: This event is free and open to the public.