Year in Review Science & Society

History buffs will dig these 5 science stories from 2023

Telescope lenses in front of a portrait of astronomer Christiaan Huygens

Christiaan Huygens’ telescopes weren’t as good as his rivals’, even though his lenses (a few shown with a portrait of Huygens) were well made. That may be because the 17th century astronomer needed glasses.

RIJKSMUSEUM BOERHAAVE, LEIDEN

By Saima S. Iqbal

Science occasionally gives us clearer views of the distant past. This year, researchers opened windows into the life and times of ancient Romans, impressionist painters and other towering historical figures.

Huygens’ hazy telescopes

Christiaan Huygens, the 17th-century Dutch astronomer best known for his studies of Saturn’s moons and rings, may have needed glasses.