When was the first telescope used to view the stars?

[DaveC426913]

Many stories (including most internet accountings) tell of Galileo using the first telescope to look a the stars in 1609. Some reports suggest it was used earlier.

What is the accepted truth re: first use of a telescope to view the stars?

 

[russ_watters]

The way you worded that is a little confused: Galileo didn't use the first telescope to view the stars, he was the first to use a telescope to view the stars.

The common misconception is that he invented the telescope.

 

[tiny-tim]

my understanding is that the telescope was a naval military secret (probably Dutch) for many years before Galileo got one…

it's difficult to believe that nobody used it for the stars during that period

 

[russ_watters]

it's difficult to believe that nobody used it for the stars during that period

Granted - a quick google suggests that it was invented 50 years prior but wasn't commercialized and that it was only a year before Galileo built one that it was "patented" and sold to the Dutch navy. It's concievable that someone invented it in secret before and also very possible the original credited inventer (Leonard Digges) turned it skyward. If so, Galileo would merely be the first to record his observations.

Looking at his wiki, it is amazing just how quick he turned his new toy into a scientific revolution. Having built it and first demonstrated it in August, he discovered the Galilean moons of Jupiter the following January and in a matter of just a few days (good weather!) figured out what they were and what their apocalyptic scientific significance was.

 

[DaveC426913]

The way you worded that is a little confused: Galileo didn't use the first telescope to view the stars, he was the first to use a telescope to view the stars.

I see your point. That's what I meant.