Infrared Space Astronomy—An Overview

Abstract

During the last 12 years infrared astronomy has grown from its infancy, when only the bright near-by planets could be studied, to a level of maturity permitting extensive observation dealing with some of the most important unsolved problems of modern astrophysics. This rapid growth to young adulthood was made possible by combining advances in instrumentation, such as the development of helium cooled detectors, low background telescopes and multiplex spectrometers, with high altitude and space platforms, such as jet aircraft, balloons and rockets. At this meeting we have the exciting opportunity to discuss major programs of the future such as IRAS (the joint Dutch—U.K.—U.S.A. infrared satellite project) and the equally exciting prospect of reviewing current progress in a large number of on going projects. Thus we should be able to see where the field stands now and where it is headed.