even before telescopes were invented humans were interested in astronomy

That is correct. Since ancient times, humans have been fascinated by the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. Many ancient civilizations, such as the Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Mayans, observed and recorded astronomical phenomena. They developed sophisticated systems for tracking the movements of celestial objects, creating calendars, predicting eclipses, and studying the heavens.

These early astronomers closely observed the sky, noticing patterns and changes in the positions of stars and planets. They believed that the motions of celestial bodies were connected to human events and believed in the concept of astrology, which influenced their daily lives and decision-making.

Before the invention of telescopes, astronomers focused mainly on naked-eye observations, which led to the discovery of constellations, the identification of planets, and the understanding of the Earth's rotation and orbit around the Sun. They also developed mathematical models to describe the motions of celestial bodies.

Telescopes were a significant advancement in astronomy, allowing astronomers to observe celestial objects in greater detail and discover new features, such as the moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, and distant galaxies. However, the human curiosity and interest in the night sky long preceded the invention of telescopes.