The telescope has had a profound influence on the history of science and on the philosophy of life since the 17th century. In 1608, the Dutch spectacle-maker Johannes (Hans) Lipperhey from Middelburg applied for a "certain instrument to see far". Lipperhey demonstrated his invention to Prince Maurice in The Hague. Despite enthousiasm for his invention and several orders to build such devices for customers, no patent was awarded to Lipperhey, because his instrument could have already been known to others. After all, two other spectacle-makers, Sacharias Jansen, also from Middelburg, and Jacob Metius from Alkmaar, also claimed the invention. The principle of the 'Dutch telescope' was considered too easy to imitate to be awarded with a patent. This was confirmed one year later when the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei pointed his self-made telescope towards the sky. The rest is history..

This website offers an overview of the activities that will take place in 2008 for the commemoration of the invention of the telescope 400 years ago. The events of 1608 have after all changed the natural sciences and our world-view permanently. For this commemoration, numerous activities have been planned, for various audiences, in the city of Middelburg (province of Zeeland, the Netherland), but also in other cities. For more information on the activities planned for this jubilee, the history of the telescope and the publications that will become available, click on the buttons on the right.

400 years Invention of the Telescope is supported by the Province of Zeeland and the Municipality of Middelburg.

© SVPL 2008