Approximately when did Galileo begin systematic telescopic scrutiny revealing the rugged lunar surface?
Answer
November 30, 1609
The text specifies a precise starting point for Galileo's systematic investigation into the Moon's surface features using his improved telescope. His initial careful observations, which led to the discovery that the Moon was rugged rather than smooth, commenced around November 30, 1609. This timing is critical as it marks the moment when he began gathering the empirical data that would ultimately form the foundation of his arguments against traditional cosmology, leading directly to the publication of his findings the following year.
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