It has been less than a generation since we knew only one solar system. Today we know of over 250. How does this new knowledge challenge long-held beliefs of what a solar system looks like? Are they like us? If their planets, orbits, and environments are different, how might folks living there view the Universe? We will examine and challenge our ideas of the "world" concept, and also see how some of our more imaginative writers have already tackled this issue from a variety of perspectives. This class will cross several disciplines: astronomy, physics, biology, and literature.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) launched 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009). IYA2009 marks the 400th anniversary of the first astronomical observation through a telescope by Galileo Galilei. In the 400 years astronomical telescopes evolved to be bigger and bigger with cutting-edge technologies. How were they improved from Galileo's telescope to the biggest ones such as Subaru? In the process of evolution of technologies, how did human beings change their picture and recognition of the universe? What kind of instruments (cameras) do the utting-edge telescopes have and what do we see with them?
In this session, I will introduce:

1. The process that human beings change their picture of the universe with the evolution of a telescope
2. Cutting edge technologies of present optical and infrared telescopes with simple hands-on models

During this 'course' we will trace the steps that a professional astronomer makes as they prepare to use the Gemini North telescope for cutting-edge research. We will start at Gemini’s Hilo base facility where we will tour the building, its laboratories, and control room. During our orientation at the base facility participants will learn about how a modern astronomical telescope works and an overview of the history of telescopes leading up to facilities like Gemini. Following this presentation by Peter Michaud, Gemini’s Public Information and Outreach Manager, Peter will provide a complete safety briefing to assure a safe visit to the mountain. We will then depart for Hale Pohaku, the mid-level facility on the slopes of Mauna Kea where astronomers stay when they use the telescopes at the summit. There we will have dinner and mingle with the scientists as they prepare for the night’s observing. While at Hale Pohaku Dr. Fisher will give a presentation that talks about Mauna Kea, all of the observatories on the summit, and some of the recent scientific highlights from Gemini. We will then head to the summit for an insider’s tour of Gemini north as the night crew prepares for observing. We will stay to see the first science data of the night then depart for either the mid-level facility for star-gazing or return directly to Hilo. Throughout the session Dr. Fisher will present information about the observatory and the science that is produced at Gemini. We expect that this will be a very interactive course with lots of time in the schedule for questions and discussions with the participants.