LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim 2009 the Year of Astronomy in the State of New York in conjunc-
tion with the International Year of Astronomy

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, The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) is an
initiative of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and UNESCO; 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 IYA2009 will highlight global cooperation for peaceful
purposes -- the search for our cosmic origin and our common heritage
which connect all citizens of planet Earth; and
WHEREAS, For several millennia, astronomers have worked together
across all boundaries including geographic, gender, age, culture and
race, in line with the principles of the UN Charter; in that sense,
astronomy is a classic example of how science can contribute towards
furthering international cooperation; and
WHEREAS, The IYA2009 is, first and foremost, an activity for all citi-
zens of planet Earth; it aims to convey the excitement of personal
discovery, the pleasure of sharing fundamental knowledge about the
Universe and our place in it, and the merits of the scientific method;
and
WHEREAS, Astronomy is an invaluable source of inspiration for human-
kind throughout all nations; so far 99 nations and 14 organizations have
signed up to participate in the IYA2009 -- an unprecedented network of
committed communicators and educators in astronomy; 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, The IYA2009 activities will take place at the global and
regional levels, and especially at the national and local levels;
national networks in each country have been formed to prepare activities
for 2009; these networks will establish collaborations between profes-
sional and amateur astronomers, science centers, educators and science
communicators; and
WHEREAS, The vision of the IYA2009 is to help the citizens of the
world rediscover their place in the Universe through the day and night
time 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 2009 the Year of
Astronomy in the State of New York in conjunction with the International
Year of Astronomy; 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.