Advanced Placement (AP) World History Practice Exam 2025 - Free AP World History Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is Galileo because he is widely regarded as the first person to use a telescope specifically for astronomical observations. In 1609, after hearing about the invention of the telescope in the Netherlands, he built his own telescope and made significant discoveries, such as the moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, and the detailed features of the Moon's surface. These observations provided strong support for the heliocentric theory, which argued that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun.

Galileo's use of the telescope marked a pivotal moment in the field of astronomy, propelling it into a new era of scientific inquiry based on empirical observation rather than solely on philosophical reasoning. His findings challenged prevailing views and laid the groundwork for modern astronomy, demonstrating the power of the scientific method.

Other figures mentioned, such as Newton and Copernicus, made remarkable contributions to science: Newton advanced the laws of motion and universal gravitation, and Copernicus proposed a heliocentric model of the solar system. However, neither of them were the first to utilize the telescope for these significant astronomical observations as Galileo did. Magellan, known for his navigational achievements, did not focus on astronomy in the same sense as Galileo. Thus, while these individuals greatly