Expressing support for the designation of October 5, 2026, as the "National Beyond the Milky Way Day" and celebrating a transformative achievement in American science.

Judy Chu

Democrat · CA · Representative

Source: Congress.gov · FEC

• Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37)Original· 2026-10-05
• Ted Lieu (D-CA-36)Original· 2026-10-05
• Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18)Original· 2026-10-05

Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

2026-10-05

Source: Congress.gov

Plain-English summary pending. Introduced on 2026-10-05. Check back soon — summaries are generated as bills progress through Congress.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H. Res. 1608 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1608 Expressing support for the designation of October 5, 2026, as the ``National Beyond the Milky Way Day'' and celebrating a transformative achievement in American science. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES October 5, 2026 Ms. Chu (for herself, Ms. Lofgren, Ms. Kamlager-Dove, and Mr. Lieu) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology _______________________________________________________________________ RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of October 5, 2026, as the ``National Beyond the Milky Way Day'' and celebrating a transformative achievement in American science. Whereas, on October 5, 1923, Carnegie Science astronomer Edwin Powell Hubble, working overnight at the institution's Mount Wilson Observatory in the San Gabriel Mountains above Pasadena, California, identified a Cepheid variable star in what was then thought to be the Andromeda Nebula; Whereas Hubble's observation built upon the groundbreaking work of Harvard University astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt, whose discovery of the period-luminosity relationship of Cepheid variable stars provided a reliable method for measuring astronomical distances in the cosmos; Whereas the application of Leavitt's Law enabled Hubble to determine that Andromeda was beyond the boundaries of the Milky Way galaxy; Whereas this discovery demonstrated that Earth's galaxy is not the entirety of the universe, but rather one among countless other galaxies in the vastness of the universe; Whereas this achievement fundamentally transformed humanity's understanding of its place in the cosmos and ranks among the most significant scientific discoveries in human history; Whereas this breakthrough was accomplished due to American scientific leadership, innovation, and investment in scientific research and infrastructure; Whereas Carnegie Science is celebrating a significant institutional anniversary and has, for more than a century, advanced scientific discovery and altered humanity's understanding and perspective of the natural world in which humans exist; Whereas Carnegie Science and its facilities on Mount Wilson Observatory have played pivotal roles in advancing humanity's understanding of the cosmos; Whereas the discovery of the existence of galaxies beyond the Milky Way galaxy laid the foundation for modern cosmology and enabled subsequent discoveries regarding the scale, structure, and evolution of the universe; Whereas discoveries of this magnitude inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, educators, and students, and demonstrate the value of scientific inquiry and exploration; Whereas the discovery of the universe beyond the Milky Way galaxy is a lasting reminder that transformative scientific achievements are accomplished through collaboration of scientists and engineers, and by the investment in research across generations; Whereas southern California has served as an international center for astronomical research and innovation for over a century; Whereas the anniversary of October 5 is an opportunity to reflect upon one of humanity's greatest intellectual achievements and celebrate the ongoing pursuit of scientific knowledge; and Whereas October 5, 2026, would be an appropriate date to designate as the ``National Beyond the Milky Way Day'': Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) recognizes the anniversary of the discovery of the universe beyond the Milky Way galaxy; (2) commemorates the historic observation made by Carnegie Science astronomer Edwin Hubble at Mount Wilson Observatory during an observing run that started the night of October 5, 1923; (3) honors the contributions of Henrietta Swan Leavitt, whose scientific work made the discovery possible; (4) recognizes the revolutionary contributions of the Carnegie Science Observatories and the broader astronomical community to scientific advancement and human understanding of the universe; (5) encourages educational institutions, scientific organizations, museums, observatories, and communities throughout the United States to commemorate this historic milestone through…

science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, other educational programs, and public engagement; and (6) celebrates the spirit of discovery, innovation, and scientific exploration that continues to expand humanity's understanding of the universe. <all>

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