It's impossible to pinpoint an exact time for the invention of the first telescope, as the process was gradual and involved multiple individuals.

However, here's what we know:

* Around 1608: Hans Lippershey, a Dutch spectacle maker, is credited with the first documented attempt to patent a telescope. He likely wasn't the first to create one, as others were experimenting with lenses and magnifying devices at the time.

* Early 1609: Galileo Galilei, hearing rumors of Lippershey's invention, independently created his own telescope, improving upon the design. This telescope, with a magnification of about 3x, allowed Galileo to make groundbreaking astronomical observations.

So, while Lippershey's patent attempt marks a significant point, the development of the telescope likely spanned a period of several years, with multiple individuals contributing to its evolution.