Submillimeter Astronomy and Mauna Kea - An Overview

Astronomy in the submillimeter region of the electromagnetic spectrum, covering wavelengths between 1 mm and 0.1 mm, is now just past its 30thanniversary. During this period there has been enormous progress in technology for detecting and analyzing signals. This has led to discovery of astronomical sources not even considered when observations in this wavelength range began. A critical aspect of progress has been the increase in the capability of telescopes. Submillimeter astronomers have changed from "borrowing" optical telescopes to having dedicated telescopes with far greater sensitivity (single antennas) and angular resolution (interferometers). In this paper we review the development of submillimeter telescopes, noting the special role played by instruments located on Mauna Kea.