Giovanni Schiaparelli

Giovanni Schiaparelli was an Italian astronomer active in the late 19th century, best known for his observations of Mars. He famously reported seeing "canali" or "channels," which sparked public imagination and speculation about Martian life. His work laid the groundwork for future Mars exploration, although later observations showed that these channels were illusions. Schiaparelli also contributed to the study of meteorites and the classification of stars. His meticulous records and discoveries significantly advanced our understanding of the solar system, making him a notable figure in astronomy's history.