[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 43 (Friday, April 7, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2437-S2438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMY DAY

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of 
International Astronomy Day. This event seeks ``to promote the 
forerunner of all scientific endeavors and to provide information, 
resources, and encouragement in all facets of astronomy.''
  Astronomy has played a central role in human history and development. 
It was somewhere around 4000 B.C. when the first astronomical 
observations were recorded, and what has followed has been nothing 
short of amazing. In 240 B.C., Eratosthenes of Cyrene used the stars to 
calculate the circumference of the earth. Astronomy as we know it today 
certainly owes Galileo a debt of gratitude for being the first to use a 
telescope to view the stars, bringing an end to naked-eye astronomy and 
advancing the science of optics. More recent astronomers include Edwin 
P. Hubble and Jocelyn Bell. The collective work of the world's 
astronomers has brought the heavens closer, while offering us great 
insights into our own life on Earth.
  To continue these advances of science, it is vital that we encourage 
our nation's youth to pursue careers in the fields of astronomy, 
astrophysics, and mathematics. I look upon the success of the NASA 
space camps and how they have encouraged our youth to pursue careers in 
the sciences. Since 1989, NASA has administered the ``Space Grant'' 
program to enhance aerospace research and education in the United 
States. This program is an effective partnership among universities, 
the aerospace industry, and federal, state, and local government that 
assists in the recruitment and training of professionals in aerospace 
science, engineering, and technology.
  In my home state, the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium is comprised 
of 13 academic institutions along with the Minnesota Department of 
Transportation, Honeywell, Boeing, and three community-based entities: 
The Bakken, Science Museum of Minnesota, and SciMathMN. The 13 academic 
institutions are: Augsburg College, Bemidji State University, Bethel 
College, Carleton College, College of St. Catherine, Fond du Lac 
Community College, Leech Lake Tribal College, Macalester College, 
Normandale Community College, Southwest State University, University of 
Minnesota-Duluth, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and the 
University of St. Thomas.
  For the last several years, this consortium of local talents has 
worked effectively to promote aerospace science through fellowships and 
scholarships, the development of new courses in Physics and Geology, 
the establishment of a new Space Studies minor among the members, and 
public lectures relating to space science and engineering.
  The scientists, engineers, administrators, and astronauts of NASA 
have guided this nation to the forefront of aeronautical expertise. I 
am proud that Minnesotans have been central to NASA's achievements 
throughout its history. My state has a well-deserved reputation as a 
high-technology giant, making our job creators a perfect match with 
NASA, and the space agency has come to depend upon Minnesota ingenuity 
and expertise. Dozens of Minnesota firms currently work under NASA's 
space shuttle program; I was honored to witness their accomplishments 
first-hand in 1997 when I toured NASA's Florida facilities and viewed 
the launch of the space shuttle Columbia.
  None of these achievements would have been possible without modern 
astronomy, and our astronomers will no doubt be at the center of space 
research for years to come. In Minnesota, we are fortunate to have many 
groups that are determined to keep the interest in astronomy high for 
all generations. I would like to draw your attention to the Minnesota 
Astronomical Society, whose members are active in the growing movement 
to generate interest in astronomy. I commend them

[[Page S2438]]

for their enthusiasm and their success in turning our attention to the 
skies.
  Mr. President, I would be remiss if I neglected to note the great 
work being done at the University of Minnesota Department of Astronomy. 
Department Head Leonard Kuhi directs a staff of more than 30 scientists 
and professors busy working on a wide variety of research projects that 
are at the cutting edge of astronomic research. These include projects 
in space physics, cosmology, computational astrophysics, and others.
  We in Minnesota also have the distinct pleasure and privilege of 
being home to the great Minneapolis Planetarium, a top-rate facility 
that provides an avenue of discovery for everyone who comes to visit. 
The Minneapolis Planetarium offers visitors a wide variety of programs 
for all to enjoy.
  I again recognize International Astronomy Day and commend all those 
in my state--the backyard astronomy clubs that offer many their first 
glimpse into the cosmos; the planetariums, observatories, and museums 
that bring the richness of space down to Earth for all; and the 
Minnesota organizations and companies that are putting our fascination 
with space to practical use--who are helping to keep the interest in 
astronomy running high.

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