There's a strong argument for saying that modem astronomy was bom in October1608, when the invention of the telescope was made known to the world.Ian McClurg—Welland recalls the many steps that led to this famous invention.

摘要

invention year signals the four-hundredth anniversary of theinvention of the telescope. Considering the skies had been observed for centuries before, constellations defined and sixplanets known (including our own), the invention of the telescope wasa remarkably late addition to the astronomical fraternity. However, inthe 400 years since its invention, the telescope's development has beenincredible and it is amazing that astronomers of today do not evenhave to venture to the eyepiece! The official invention of the telescopeback in 1608 is a story of several claims and counterclaims, but oneman emerges as the rightful holder of the astronomical accolade.