Galileo Galilei was an Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer who played a major role in the scientific revolution of the 17th century. He is best known for his improvements to the telescope and his astronomical observations, which led to his support of the heliocentric model of the solar system proposed by Copernicus. Galileo's work laid the foundation for modern physics and astronomy, and he is often referred to as the "father of modern science." His support for the heliocentric model brought him into conflict with the Catholic Church, and he was eventually tried and convicted of heresy. Despite this, his contributions to science and his advocacy for the scientific method have had a lasting impact on our understanding of the natural world.