Which scientist is known for inventing the telescope?

Galileo Galilei is known for improving the telescope and using it to make significant astronomical discoveries, which included observing the moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, and the detailed surface of the Moon. While he did not invent the telescope itself—an earlier version was invented in the Netherlands—his contributions advanced the technology and demonstrated its potential for scientific inquiry. Galileo's work marked a pivotal moment in the Scientific Revolution, as it allowed for a more precise and empirical approach to astronomy. His observations challenged the prevailing geocentric model of the universe, providing crucial support for the heliocentric theory proposed by Copernicus. Thus, Galileo's innovations and findings with the telescope are foundational to modern astronomy and science as a whole.