TITLE: Recognizing the McDonald Observatory on the occasion of its 75th anniversary.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the McDonald Observatory on the occasion of its 75th anniversary.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure in recognizing the McDonald Observatory as it prepares to celebrate 75 years of groundbreaking astronomical research; and WHEREAS, This internationally acclaimed facility is operated by The University of Texas at Austin; it has been responsible for scores of significant observations and discoveries that have profound implications for the development of astronomy and of mankind's understanding of the universe; and WHEREAS, Established May 5, 1939, with the dedication of its signature 82-inch telescope, the observatory has become one of the world's premier research sites; it is a leader in kindergarten through 12th grade education and outreach programs and provides students unparalleled opportunities to learn about the astronomical wonders of the universe; and WHEREAS, The Hobby-Eberly Telescope is one of the world's largest telescopes and is one of many instruments used by the observatory to chart previously unknown areas of the universe; the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment is slated to begin in 2014 and will collect data on 11 million galaxies and yield the largest map of the universe ever produced; and WHEREAS, The observatory is also a partner in the Giant Magellan Telescope project, which will be the next generation of telescopes and will shed light on the origins and evolutions of galaxies, stars, black holes, and planetary systems and will explore the properties of dark matter and dark energy; WHEREAS, To honor its upcoming 75th anniversary, the McDonald Observatory has designated September 1, 2013 through August 31, 2014, as a year of celebration and special events; in observance of this milestone, it is indeed fitting that this premier facility, which draws stargazers and astronomers from around the planet, be recognized as one of the Lone Star State's most prized resources; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend the McDonald Observatory as it approaches its 75th anniversary and extend to all associated with the observatory sincere best wishes for a productive and successful yearlong celebration; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the observatory to commemorate its 75th anniversary. Rodriguez President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 23, 2013.