1. (sometimes capital) new, recent, or a new or modern form or development: neoclassicism; neocolonialism. 2. (Geological Science) (usually capital) the most recent subdivision of a geological period: Neogene. [from Greek neos new]. Also, esp. before a vowel, ne-.
Although optical telescopes are the type most commonly used for stargazing and amateur astronomy, lots of astronomical research is done on telescopes that look at other wavelengths of light. Each of these wavelength ranges shows us something unique about the universe and allows us to view events and objects that can't be seen with human eyes.
Galileo did not invent the telescope, but is credited with being the first person to use it as an astronomical instrument in 1609. He was one of the first modern scientists-he collected evidence (data) to support scientific claims. Professional astronomers do not spend their time looking through telescopes.