Which scientist is best known for inventing the refracting telescope?

Galileo Galilei is best known for inventing the refracting telescope, a significant advancement in the field of astronomy during the 17th century. He utilized this telescope to make groundbreaking astronomical observations, including the moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, and the detailed features of the Moon’s surface. These discoveries provided strong support for the heliocentric model of the solar system, which posited that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. Galileo's work not only revolutionized astronomy but also marked a shift towards reliance on observation and experimentation, laying the groundwork for modern scientific methods. The refracting telescope allowed for magnification and clearer views of celestial objects, thus expanding humanity's understanding of the universe.