110 HCON 375 EH: To honor the goal of the International Year of Astronomy, and for other purposes. U.S. House of Representatives 0 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 110th CONGRESS 2d Session H. CON. RES. 375 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRENT RESOLUTION To honor the goal of the International Year of Astronomy, and for other purposes.

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

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.

Passed the House of Representatives July 9, 2008.Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.