A Solution to Galileo's Enigma "Mostro Son Io"

TL;DR

This paper analyzes Galileo's last poem, 'Mostro son io', proposing that its solution is the Zodiac, thus linking Galileo's literary work to astronomical symbolism.

Contribution

It offers an interpretation of Galileo's poem as a zodiacal reference, bridging his literary style with astronomical concepts.

Findings

The poem is a zodiacal riddle.

Galileo's literary work contains astronomical symbolism.

The solution to the riddle is the Zodiac.

Abstract

Galileo Galilei was a skilled writer and explored several genres, from the well-known scientific writings (often in the form of dialogs) to theater and poetry. His last published poem, "Mostro son io" (A Monster am I), is a riddle written in the form of a sonnet. We suggest that the solution to Galileo's riddle is the Zodiac.