* Nicolaus Copernicus: A Polish astronomer who developed the heliocentric model of the solar system, placing the Sun at the center. He published his groundbreaking work "De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium" (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres) in 1543.
* Galileo Galilei: An Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer who provided significant evidence supporting Copernicus's heliocentric model. His observations with the telescope, particularly the phases of Venus, strongly challenged the prevailing geocentric view of the universe.
While others before them had entertained the idea of a heliocentric model, Copernicus and Galileo were the most influential figures in the scientific revolution who championed and defended this view, ultimately leading to its widespread acceptance.
