What instrument uses a series of lenses to focus and magnify light, and was invented by Galileo?

The instrument that uses a series of lenses to focus and magnify light, invented by Galileo, is the refracting telescope. This type of telescope utilizes convex lenses to bend and direct light to create a magnified image of distant objects. Galileo's refracting telescope allowed him to observe celestial bodies such as the Moon and Jupiter's moons, significantly advancing the field of astronomy.

Refracting telescopes work on the principle of refraction, where light is bent as it passes through different mediums, such as air to glass. The design typically includes an objective lens and an eyepiece lens, aiming to provide a clear and enlarged view of distant subjects. Galileo's enhancement of this design played a crucial role in scientific observations at the time.

Other instruments mentioned serve different purposes. For instance, a reflecting telescope uses mirrors instead of lenses for light gathering and magnification. A microscope functions differently as it is designed to magnify small objects, usually for biological observation. The camera obscura, while also dealing with light, is a precursor to modern photography and does not magnify images through lenses in the same way as a telescope does. Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique characteristics and historical significance of the refracting telescope.