IYA on Floor of Congress
On July 9, the United States House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution 375, To Honor the Goal of the International Year of Astronomy. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Tucson, Arizona, where the offices of the National Optical Astronomical Observatory are located, was the lead sponsor of the measure. A Concurrent Resolution does not have the force of law, but expresses the sentiment of the House of Representatives. The United States joins many other nations who have passed similar acknowledgements of IYA.
“Astronomy seems to capture the imagination of the public more than almost any other discipline of science. Children everywhere gaze with wonder and amazement at the night sky. Images from the Hubble telescope grace the screensavers and wallpaper of our computers”, said Nick Lampson, D-TX, as the House opened debate on the measure. Rep. Tom Feeney, R-FL, echoed his sentiments “The International Year of Astronomy is an effort in which the United States is pleased to take a leading role, and I applaud the efforts of the United Nations and the International Astronomical Union. Therefore, I am pleased to join today with the gentleman from Texas, and I urge all of my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 375.”
Rep. Lampson spoke about the outreach activities of IYA, saying “I applaud the astronomy community for making the 2009 International Year of Astronomy not just a celebration of science by scientists but an opportunity to share the wonders and relevance of science with all citizens across the globe.” The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Giffords, also pointed out the outreach components of IYA, “I am particularly excited about the opportunity to use the International Year of Astronomy to engage and inspire young people in mathematics and science generally and particularly.”
After acknowledging the key roles that the AAS, ASP, AAVSO and other groups play in the IYA celebrations, Rep. Giffords closed her remarks saying “The German astronomer Johannes Kepler, whose laws of planetary motion are still used today said, ‘The treasures hidden in the heavens are so rich that the human mind shall never be lacking in fresh nourishment.’ It is those treasures of the heavens, and the men and women who study them, that we will celebrate and honor and discover in 2009 with the International Year of Astronomy.”
After passing the House, H. Con. Res 375 is now before the Senate, where the AAS hopes to secure passage soon.
The full text of the resolution is below:
Whereas the year 2009 represents the 400th Anniversary of Galileo’s astronomical use of the telescope;
Whereas the year 2009 has been designated the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) by the United Nations and UNESCO;
Whereas astronomical observations and discoveries have profound implications for the development of science, philosophy, culture, and our general conception of our place in the Universe;
Whereas astronomy is one of the oldest basic sciences and contributes fundamentally to the ultimate context of all other sciences;
Whereas astronomy and astronomical discoveries continue to capture the imagination of the American people;
Whereas the United States is the home of the most advanced astronomical research in the world;
Whereas the many creative programs and activities planned in the United States for IYA 2009 are strongly supported by the staff, missions, and observatories of the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
Whereas science and technology awareness and education play a critical role in the economic success of the United States; and
Whereas the astronomical sciences inspire students to study science, mathematics, engineering, and technology: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the Congress–
(1) honors the goal of the International Year of Astronomy to celebrate astronomical discoveries;
(2) encourages the public to participate in IYA celebrations and activities and discover more about the Universe and the science of astronomy; and
(3) applauds the efforts of the employees, centers, and laboratories of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Science Foundation in promoting public understanding of the astronomical sciences during the celebration of the International Year of Astronomy.
Video of the discussion can be viewed on CSPAN here.
