that he was awesome :)
Galileo
galileo
It was Galileo.
Newton explained his theory
Galileo explained the backwatds motion of the planets
Galileo got his idea for building a telescope from hearing about a spyglass. He heard about this device from sailors and was inspired to create his own improved version, which eventually led to the invention of the telescope.
Galileo suffered a trail and house arrest.
cristopher coloumbus
It didn't "frighten" the Church. The Church was upset because Galileo was insisting on a theory that he couldn't prove, at that time - the science hadn't been invented yet. The Church allowed him to publish his theory as a theory, but not to claim it was fact until it was proved. Galileo was a very stubborn man who believed he was right (actually, his theory was right, but he couldn't prove it) and he insisted on teaching it as fact, and he insisted on making fun of the pope who was both a patron and a personal friend - this didn't go over very well with the Church. For the full story please read "The Galileo Controversy" at the link below.
Galileo challenged Aristotle's belief that heavier objects fell faster than lighter ones.
Galileo
Galileo had the first idea, although Newton takes credit for it because of his perfection the matter.