Final answer:
Ancient astronomers developed star maps and discovered precession, which are foundational to modern astronomy. Ptolemy's work also had a profound impact, despite its inaccuracies. Galileo, using telescopic technology invented around 1600, made discoveries that revolutionized our understanding of space.
Step-by-step explanation:
The observations made by ancient astronomers have significantly contributed to modern space observations. Among their contributions was the development of ancient maps of the stars, which was essential in the study and understanding of the heavens. Astronomers like Hipparchus made a star catalog, defined the system of stellar magnitudes, and discovered precession due to the north celestial pole's apparent shift, all of which are foundational to current astronomical knowledge. Furthermore, Ptolemy's geocentric model described in his Almagest, despite being incorrect, laid the groundwork for future scientific inquiry and the eventual realization of the heliocentric model. These ancient methods and discoveries inspired the structure and progression of current astronomical research.
As for telescopic technology, it wasn't discovered by ancient astronomers but rather came into existence around 1600. Galileo, who did not invent the telescope but significantly improved it, utilized telescopes to make monumental discoveries such as the moons of Jupiter, lunar craters, and sunspots, which fundamentally changed our understanding of the cosmos and propelled the evolution of space observation.