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Launched in 1990, Hubble is a space-based telescope that, being above the Earth’s atmosphere, provides extremely clear images free from atmospheric distortion, greatly advancing astronomical knowledge with its high-resolution data.

Operational since 1998, the VLT in Chile consists of four individual telescopes that can work together to form a giant interferometer, allowing astronomers to see details up to 25 times finer than with individual telescopes.

CCDs, developed in the late 20th century, replaced film in telescopes, providing a higher sensitivity to light, making it possible to detect fainter objects and gather data more efficiently.

In the 20th century, Hale oversaw the creation of the 200-inch Hale Telescope at the Palomar Observatory. It was the largest telescope for several decades, pushing the limits of optical telescope design and astronomy.

Hall invented the achromatic lens in 1733, reducing chromatic aberration in refracting telescopes by combining lenses made of different types of glass. It led to the creation of improved refractors with clearer images.

Developed in the latter half of the 20th century, adaptive optics adjust the telescope's mirrors in real time to compensate for atmospheric distortions. This technology vastly improves image resolution and clarity for ground-based telescopes.

In the 1840s, Lord Rosse built the Leviathan, then the world's largest telescope, with a 72-inch mirror which allowed more detailed studies of nebulae and aided in the understanding of galaxy structures.

In the late 18th century, Herschel constructed large reflecting telescopes, including a 40-foot telescope. These large telescopes allowed Herschel to make detailed observations of deep-sky objects and discover Uranus.

Scheduled for launch in 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope is designed to succeed the Hubble Space Telescope with a larger primary mirror and instruments optimized for infrared observations, to study the formation of the earliest stars and galaxies.

In 1609, Galileo improved upon Lippershey's design to create a higher magnification refracting telescope, greatly enhancing celestial observations and supporting the heliocentric model of the solar system.

Invented in 1608, the first practical telescopes were refracting telescopes, which used lenses to bend light to magnify objects. They had a profound impact on astronomy, allowing for more detailed observation of the heavens and the confirmation of theories, like those of Copernicus.