While the invention of the telescope is generally attributed to Hans Lippershey in 1608, the first person to use a telescope for astronomical observations was Galileo Galilei.

He heard about the invention in 1609 and quickly built his own, which was superior to the existing models. He used it to observe the Moon, the planets, and the stars, making groundbreaking discoveries that changed our understanding of the universe.

Here's a breakdown:

* Hans Lippershey: He was a Dutch lensmaker who is credited with the first documented application for a telescope patent. However, there's debate about whether he was the sole inventor, as others like Zacharias Janssen also claimed credit.

* Galileo Galilei: While not the inventor of the telescope, he significantly improved its design and was the first to use it for astronomical observations. This led to his famous discoveries: the phases of Venus, the moons of Jupiter, sunspots, and the Milky Way's composition.

So, while Lippershey may have invented the telescope, it was Galileo's use of it that truly revolutionized astronomy.