25 August 1609

[glenc]

Based only on uncertain descriptions of the first practical telescope, invented by Hans Lippershey (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Lippershey) in the Netherlands (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands) in 1608, Galileo, in the following year, made a telescope with about 3x magnification. He later made others with up to about 30x magnification. With this improved device he could see magnified, upright images on the earth – it was what is now known as a terrestrial telescope, or spyglass. He could also use it to observe the sky; for a time he was one of those who could construct telescopes good enough for that purpose. On 25 August 1609, he demonstrated his first telescope to Venetian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venice) lawmakers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galileo_Galilei#Contributions

[Enchilada]

Happy Quadricentennial
Mr. Telescope!!

In in it a pity the instrument also turned out to great for war. Yet when he turned it to the Heavens, he was soon locked-up at told to recant! At least he is remembered for his many celestial encounters and not for his often warmongering despicable ways! :thumbsup: