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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 553
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WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure in |
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recognizing the McDonald Observatory as it prepares to celebrate |
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75 years of groundbreaking astronomical research; and |
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WHEREAS, This internationally acclaimed facility is |
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operated by The University of Texas at Austin; it has been |
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responsible for scores of significant observations and |
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discoveries that have profound implications for the development |
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of astronomy and of mankind's understanding of the universe; and |
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WHEREAS, Established May 5, 1939, with the dedication of |
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its signature 82-inch telescope, the observatory has become one |
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of the world's premier research sites; it is a leader in |
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kindergarten through 12th grade education and outreach programs |
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and provides students unparalleled opportunities to learn about |
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the astronomical wonders of the universe; and |
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WHEREAS, The Hobby-Eberly Telescope is one of the world's |
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largest telescopes and is one of many instruments used by the |
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observatory to chart previously unknown areas of the universe; |
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the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment is slated to |
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begin in 2014 and will collect data on 11 million galaxies and |
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yield the largest map of the universe ever produced; and |
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WHEREAS, The observatory is also a partner in the Giant |
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Magellan Telescope project, which will be the next generation of |
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telescopes and will shed light on the origins and evolutions of |
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galaxies, stars, black holes, and planetary systems and will |
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explore the properties of dark matter and dark energy; |
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WHEREAS, To honor its upcoming 75th anniversary, the |
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McDonald Observatory has designated September 1, 2013 through |
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August 31, 2014, as a year of celebration and special events; in |
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observance of this milestone, it is indeed fitting that this |
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premier facility, which draws stargazers and astronomers from |
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around the planet, be recognized as one of the Lone Star State's |
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most prized resources; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd |
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Legislature, hereby commend the McDonald Observatory as it |
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approaches its 75th anniversary and extend to all associated with |
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the observatory sincere best wishes for a productive and |
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successful yearlong celebration; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for |
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the observatory to commemorate its 75th anniversary. |
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Rodriguez |
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President of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that the |
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above Resolution was adopted by |
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the Senate on April 23, 2013. |
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________________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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________________________________ |
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Member, Texas Senate |