LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim April 2-5, 2009, as 100 Hours of Astronomy in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, Astronomy is one of the oldest basic sciences and it has
contributed and still contributes fundamentally to the evolution of
other sciences and applications in a wide range of fields; and
WHEREAS, Astronomical observations have profound implications for the
development of science, philosophy, culture and the general conception
of the universe; and
WHEREAS, 100 Hours of Astronomy is the single largest event taking
place during the International Year of Astronomy 2009, (IYA2009), which
is an initiative of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and UNES-
CO; and
WHEREAS, IAU is an organization that brings together almost 10,000
distinguished astronomers from all nations of the world; its mission is
to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects
through international cooperation; and
WHEREAS, The International Year of Astronomy 2009 celebrates the first
astronomical use of the telescope by Galileo -- a momentous event that
initiated 400 years of astronomical discoveries and triggered a scien-
tific revolution which profoundly affected our worldview; today, tele-
scopes on the ground and in space explore the Universe, 24 hours a day,
across all wavelengths of light; and
WHEREAS, The goal of the IYA2009 is to stimulate worldwide interest,
especially among young people, in astronomy and science under the
central theme "The Universe, Yours to Discover"; its events and activ-
ities will promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects
of astronomy that embody an invaluable shared resource for all nations;
and
WHEREAS, 100 Hours of Astronomy is a worldwide celebration composed of
a broad range of activities aimed at involving the public; the event
will take place over four days and nights, from April 2-5, 2009; and
WHEREAS, During this period, people from around the globe will share
the experience of observing the sky; for many, it will be their first
glimpse of the wonders of the heavens through a telescope; for others,
it is the perfect opportunity to impart their knowledge and excitement,
helping unveil the cosmos to fresh and eager eyes; and
WHEREAS, The project invites amateur astronomers, educators, profes-
sional astronomers, planetariums, science centers and more to arrange
events around the world during this four-day period and to publicize
them on the project website; and
WHEREAS, The 100 Hours of Astronomy opening event will take place on
April 2, 2009, at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
hosted by United States national spokesman Derrick Pitts and featuring
world-renowned Galileo expert Dr. Paolo Galluzzi, the interactive educa-
tional event will showcase Galileo's original telescope - the telescope
first trained on the night skies - on loan for an exclusive exhibition
entitled "Galileo, the Medici and the Age of Astronomy"; there will also
be a live science center webcast discussing hot topics in astronomy; and
WHEREAS, The two highest profile activities are a live 24-hour observ-
atory webcast from the largest telescopes in the world, and 100 hours of
sidewalk astronomy events; the former will take place from April 3-4,
2009, when astronomers at professional observatories around the world
will show their telescope domes and control rooms, giving an insider's
view of these cutting-edge scientific facilities; and

WHEREAS, For the 100 hours of sidewalk astronomy events, amateur,
enthusiast and professional astronomers will combine their efforts to
encourage as many people as possible to look through a telescope as
Galileo did for the first time 400 years ago; and
WHEREAS, The sidewalk events will peak with a 24-hour Global Star
Party on April 4, 2009, organized together with Sidewalk Astronomers and
International Sidewalk Astronomy Night; at this extraordinary event
telescopes will be available around the world, free of charge, allowing
people to peer into space at breathtaking objects; and
WHEREAS, Some traditional favorites will be ideally placed in the
night sky for observation; these include the Moon, which is an astound-
ing sight through a telescope, with its alien, yet strangely familiar,
cratered landscape; and the planet Saturn, with its beautiful rings,
once seen, never forgotten; and
WHEREAS, Thousands of local events are also being planned by science
facilities and astronomy enthusiasts around the world, including tele-
scope observing sessions, exhibitions, special shows and more; in many
countries there will be public lectures by specially selected speakers,
experts in astronomy, keen to participate in this planet-wide venture;
and
WHEREAS, 100 Hours of Astronomy is a venture of breathtaking scope
that seeks to involve people from all walks of life around the globe and
conveys a multitude of messages, from the personal benefit of astronom-
ical knowledge to the pressing issue of curbing light pollution; and
WHEREAS, The vision of 100 Hours of Astronomy and the IYA2009 is to
help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe
through the day and nighttime sky, and thereby engage a personal sense
of wonder and discovery; and
WHEREAS, All humans should realize the impact astronomy and basic
sciences have on our daily lives, and understand better how scientific
knowledge can contribute to a more equitable and peaceful society; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim April 2-5, 2009, as
100 Hours of Astronomy in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.