Abstract　  

   Wavelengths between 8 and 25 micrometers are often referred to as the mid-infrared (mid-IR) in astronomy. This is an important band primarily used for probing warm dust particles associated with, for example, star-forming regions and protoplanetary disks. Observing in the mid-IR from the ground is, however, very challenging, because the earth’s atmosphere and the telescope itself are both strong emitters at these wavelengths. Many special techniques have been developed to enable mid-IR observations from the ground, allowing scientific progresses that cannot be made by space facilities (e.g., Spitzer). In this talk, I will begin with the basics of the mid-IR observation, highlighting capabilities that only become possible by combining state-of-the-art mid-IR cameras with 8-to-10-meter class telescopes. I will present results from our groundbreaking studies with CanariCam, the mid-IR instrument of the GTC, on the magnetic fields of the massive young stellar object K3-50 and the protoplanetary disk around AB Aurigae. I will also briefly talk about our mid-IR spectroscopic observations of SN 2014J, the bright Type Ia supernova discovered in M82.