"Is it art or is it science?"

The question, overheard in the Hamilton Library's Bridge Gallery, delighted librarian Kathleen Robertson, curator of "The Universe: Yours to Discover," an exhibition celebrating both the International Year of Astronomy and Hawai'i's contribution in the field.

"(The exhibition) is a wonderful mix," Robertson said. "There are large (5 feet by 5 feet) images of the sky from the film 'Hawaiian Starlight' by astronomer Jean-Charles Cuillandre, at the Canada-France-Hawai'i telescope; rare books from the Hamilton's Special Research Collection, and tools used by amateur astronomers."

The exhibit is stunning, as well as Cuillandre's images, large wall displays created by Institute for Astronomy graphic artist Karen Teramura and editor Louise Good highlight discoveries made by scientists from atop Mauna Kea. A video presentation features international scientists in the field.

When planning the exhibition, Robertson said she was thrilled to find the Hamilton Library's Special Books Collection contained treasures not listed in their catalog, some items so old and fragile they can only be viewed in limited light." The exhibit also includes a copy of the most famous science book ever written, Isaac Newton's "Principia Mathematica."

"Astronomical knowledge has been passed on in book form for hundreds of years," Robertson said.

Four hundred years ago astronomer Galileo first pointed a telescope at the sky and quickly discovered the four moons of Jupiter and craters on our moon. His discoveries laid the ground work for observatories around the world.

As the International Year of Astronomy draws to a close, the Hamilton exhibition is a tribute to the discoveries being made right here in our home state.

"The Universe: Yours to Discover" is through Dec. 13 at the Bridge Gallery, Hamilton Library. Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Closed Saturday. 956-7204. "Hawaiian Starlight" DVD at http://cfht.hawaii.edu/HawaiianStarlight/trailer.html.