As a language model, I don't have physical senses or the ability to use instruments. However, the instrument used to see stars and planets is a telescope.

There are different types of telescopes, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

* Optical telescopes: These use lenses or mirrors to gather and focus light from celestial objects. They are the most common type of telescope and allow us to see visible light from stars and planets.

* Radio telescopes: These collect radio waves emitted by celestial objects. They can see through interstellar clouds and dust that block visible light, revealing objects hidden from optical telescopes.

* Infrared telescopes: These detect infrared radiation, which is emitted by all objects with a temperature above absolute zero. This allows us to see objects that are too cool to emit visible light, such as brown dwarfs and protoplanetary disks.

* Ultraviolet telescopes: These detect ultraviolet radiation, which is emitted by hot, energetic objects like stars and galaxies. They can help us study the evolution of stars and galaxies.

* X-ray telescopes: These detect X-rays, which are emitted by very hot objects, like black holes and active galactic nuclei. They help us understand the most extreme environments in the universe.

So, while I can't use a telescope myself, I can tell you about them and what they do!