Image for Thomas Harriot

Thomas Harriot

Thomas Harriot was an English mathematician, astronomer, and scientist from the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He made significant contributions to algebra, geometry, and optics, and was among the first to use the telescope for detailed astronomical observations. Harriot studied the moons of Jupiter before Galileo, and his work helped advance our understanding of the solar system. He was also known for his precise written records and innovative mathematical techniques. Despite his many achievements, he remains less well-known than some contemporaries, but his contributions laid important groundwork for future scientific discoveries.