Which country were the first known practical telescopes invented ?
The practical exploitation of the instrument was certainly achieved and came to public attention in the Netherlands at about 1608 , but the credit of the original invention has been claimed on behalf of three individuals : Hans Lippershey and Sacharias Jansen — spectacle - makers in Middelburg , and Jacob Metius of Alkmaar ( also known as Jacob Adriaanszoon ) .