O método de Galileu para medir montanhas lunares e o impacto na história da ciência

Abstract

This study analyzes the telescopic observations of the Moon made by Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) and the mathematical method used to estimate the height of lunar mountains. The overall objective of the research is to demonstrate the calculation method employed by Galileo to measure lunar relief. Specifically, it seeks to analyze how his observations influenced the Astronomical Revolution of the 17th century—by replacing the paradigms of Aristotle and Ptolemy with a new conception of the Universe—and to discuss the application of this historical content in science education to stimulate reflection on the Nature of Science. The methodology consisted of a literature review, with a survey of sources and authors for the analysis of the topic from a historical and epistemological perspective. The results highlight that Galileo, by using the refracting telescope, broke with the Aristotelian distinction between the sublunar and supralunar world, revealing that the Moon was not a perfectly smooth sphere, but composed of valleys and mountains. It can be concluded that the crater measurement episode is a fundamental milestone in the History of Science, as it exemplifies the transition from a qualitative model to a quantitative and experimental approach, being a relevant resource for teaching by humanizing scientific knowledge and promoting reflective learning.