What specific feature on the near side of the Moon honors Galileo's lunar observation breakthrough?
Answer
Galilaei
As a direct and lasting tribute to Galileo's foundational work in proving the Moon was not a perfect, smooth orb, a specific geographical feature on the lunar surface was named in his honor. This feature is the crater Galilaei, situated in the southwestern quadrant of the visible face of the Moon. Although later astronomers like Riccioli or Hevelius may have provided more precise mapping of this and other impact structures, the designation of Galilaei serves as a permanent acknowledgment of Galileo's initial conceptual breakthrough regarding lunar topography.
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