Historical telescopes were groundbreaking instruments that allowed astronomers to observe celestial objects in greater detail than ever before. The first practical telescope, invented by Hans Lippershey in 1608, used lenses to magnify distant objects. This innovation led to significant advancements in astronomy, including Galileo Galilei's observations of the moons of Jupiter and the phases of Venus. Over the centuries, telescopes evolved in design and capability. The reflecting telescope, developed by Isaac Newton in 1668, used mirrors instead of lenses, reducing chromatic aberration. These early telescopes laid the foundation for modern astronomy, enabling discoveries that expanded our understanding of the universe.