How were sunspots observed prior to telescopes?

[Kelevra]

About 20 years ago I was in West Virginia on a very foggy morning. I could look directly at the sun without issue (wearing polarized sunglasses). I could see sunspots. I posted about it previously.

Did I see sun spots?

This happened maybe 10 years ago. (I could probably dig up the exact date if it’s important.) I was traveling with a co-worker in West Virginia. Around 10 a.m. we were driving (me in the passenger seat) in just enough clouds that the sun was not much more than a bright disc. With my polarized sunglasses I could look directly at the sun. It seemed to me that I could see sun spots. My co-worker was driving and other than noting that he too could look at the sun, he didn’t want to take his ey…