What did Galileo Galilei refer to Saturn's rings as during his first observation?

Galileo Galilei, during his initial observations of Saturn in the early 17th century, described the planet's rings as "ears." This description stemmed from the limitations of his telescope and the peculiar appearance of Saturn at the time. When observed through his early telescope, Saturn seemed to have two protrusions or "ears" on either side, giving the impression of being more like a three-dimensional object rather than a flat ring. His terminology reflected the observational challenges and the interpretations prevalent before the rings were accurately understood. This early nomenclature was pivotal in the progression of astronomical studies, highlighting the importance of refined tools and methods in revealing the true nature of celestial bodies.