On this day in 1610, Galileo Galilei discovered Jupiter’s moons Io, Europa and Callisto.

Jupiter-moons

Galileo’s contributions to the scientific revolution of the Renaissance cannot be understated–Galileo almost single-handedly revolutionized scientific thought. By making observations that led to the discovery of three of Jupiter’s moons, he was able to overturn the dominant astronomical thinking at the time that said all heavenly bodies must orbit the Earth.

Humanity continues to honor Galileo’s discovery into the future, with robotic missions–including the Europa Clipper–planned over the next decade.

europa-820-820x420

Learn more about Galileo here.