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.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1608 Introduced in House (IH)]

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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.
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