Galileo's Telescope

The instrument that revolutionized astronomy 400 years ago was relatively simple, and underwent rapid evolution and refinement as its usefulness was demonstrated. To learn more about the origins of the first telescope, check out this article by Albert van Helden or listen to this 15 minute segment from NPR. A Nova website also contains some useful background information about the invention of the telescope.

If you are going to be in Philadelphia this summer, you can see one of only two surviving Galileo telescopes at The Franklin Institute (through Sept. 7, 2009). This is the first time that one of these instruments has left Italy.

If you would like to explore the full history of the telescope up to today, check out the PBS documentary, 400 Years of the Telescope, which is readily available through Netflix