Simon Marius

Simon Marius was a German astronomer active in the early 17th century, best known for his claims to have discovered the moons of Jupiter independently of Galileo Galilei. Although his assertions went largely unrecognized during his lifetime, Marius proposed the names for these moons, including Europa, named after the Phoenician princess. His work contributed to the early understanding of celestial bodies and their movements, marking a significant period in the development of astronomy.