Scientists & Inventors · 17th Century
Galileo Galilei’s Last Words
“Yet it moves. (Eppur si muove.)”— Galileo Galilei, January 8, 1642
Who Was Galileo Galilei?
Galileo Galilei revolutionized astronomy by supporting the heliocentric model of the solar system and was the first to use a telescope for astronomical observation. He is called the father of modern physics.
The Final Moments
The famous phrase 'Eppur si muove' (yet it moves) is said to have been muttered by Galileo after being forced by the Inquisition to recant his belief that the Earth moves around the Sun.
Are These Words Verified?
The phrase first appeared in print in 1757, over a century after Galileo's death, and likely never happened. His student Viviani left no record of such words.
Sources
- other Giuseppe Baretti's Italian Library (1757)
- biography Vincenzo Viviani account
- academic Historical research
Legacy
Galileo's conflict with the Church became a defining symbol of the battle between science and dogma. He is considered the father of modern observational astronomy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Galileo Galilei’s last words?
“Yet it moves. (Eppur si muove.)”
How did Galileo Galilei die?
Galileo Galilei died on January 8, 1642 at the age of 77. Cause of death: Fever and heart palpitations.
Were Galileo Galilei’s last words documented?
The phrase first appeared in print in 1757, over a century after Galileo's death, and likely never happened. His student Viviani left no record of such words.
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