June 22

Events - Science & Technology

1633day.year

The Holy Office in Rome forces Galileo Galilei to recant his view that the Sun, not the Earth, is the center of the Universe in the form he presented it in, after heated controversy.

In 1633, Galileo is forced by the Roman Inquisition to recant his heliocentric theory, marking a clash of science and church.
On June 22, 1633, Galileo Galilei faced the Roman Inquisition and was compelled to recant his heliocentric theory. Under the threat of torture, he abjured his view that the Earth revolved around the Sun. His Dialogue on the Two Chief World Systems was banned, and he was placed under house arrest. The event marked a profound conflict between emerging scientific evidence and ecclesiastical authority. Galileo's struggle later became emblematic of the fight for intellectual freedom.
1633 Holy Office Galileo Galilei recant
1978day.year

Charon, the first of Pluto's satellites to be discovered, was first seen at the United States Naval Observatory by James W. Christy.

Charon, Pluto's largest moon, was discovered by James Christy, expanding our understanding of the outer solar system.
On June 22, 1978, James W. Christy at the U.S. Naval Observatory detected a bulge on photographic plates of Pluto, leading to the discovery of its first moon, Charon. The finding provided valuable data for calculating Pluto’s mass and understanding its orbital dynamics. Charon’s discovery expanded knowledge of the outer solar system and spurred interest in detecting other Kuiper Belt objects. Named after the mythological ferryman of the dead, Charon is one of the largest known moons relative to its parent body. The pair’s unique binary relationship continues to intrigue astronomers and was later explored by NASA’s New Horizons mission.
1978 Charon United States Naval Observatory James W. Christy