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.
Based on written records, the invention of the telescope is credited to Hans Lippershey of the Netherlands. Galileo is the first person to use a telescope to look at astronomical objects and record his observations. Galileo built about 30 telescopes but used only 10 to observe the sky.