The Telescope Turns 400

(Wired) - 1608: Hans Lippershey, a German-born Dutch spectacle-maker, demonstrates the first refracting telescope, the forerunner of the modern optical telescope.
The modern refracting telescope uses two lenses, a convex objective lens (nearer the "object" being observed) and a convex eyepiece (or ocular) lens. Together, they bend light and focus parallel light rays at a single point. That has the effect of magnifying distant objects for the viewer. Continued

Photo: "Left, equipment to record & on right, tower houses the 60 ft. telescope through which the total eclipse of the sun was viewed from Brandon on June 8, 1918 at 5:37 p.m. Brandon schoolhouse in background, 2 rooms complete with belfry & bell."--Back of photoprint. Library of Congress