Final answer:
Galileo Galilei is credited with discovering the moons of Jupiter, which was significant in supporting the heliocentric model and influencing later scientific advancements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual who discovered moons orbiting Jupiter was Galileo Galilei. This monumental discovery challenged the then-prevalent geocentric model which posited that all celestial bodies revolved around Earth. Galileo's observation of Jupiter's moons provided concrete evidence to support the heliocentric model, indicating that celestial bodies could indeed have their own centers of motion. This was not only important for reaffirming the work of Copernicus but also set the stage for further scientific exploration, ultimately contributing to the work of Isaac Newton and the development of the laws of motion and universal gravitation.