Dr. Michael Werner discusses the history of infrared astronomy and the evolution of Shuttle Infrared Telescrope Facility (SIRTF) into the Spitzer Space Telescope. He remarks on its discoveries since its August 2003 launch, including the bar at the center of our galaxy, the characteristics of extrasolar planetary atmospheres, and the discovery of numerous large galaxies in the early universe. Recalls his appointment as George Darwin lecturer at the Royal Astronomical Society. Comments on upcoming observatory launches by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency. Other topics discussed include: Martin Harwit, Cornell University, Charles H. Townes, University of California Berkeley, P. L. Richards, J. Mather, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Kuiper Airborne Observatory, Ames Research Center, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory.