A JOINT MEMORIAL
RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE LITERACY,
COLLABORATION AND EDUCATION.
WHEREAS, New Mexico has a long
and distinguished history in scientific research, including in the fields of
astronomy and space science, and continues the tradition as a state where much
cutting-edge scientific research is conducted; and
WHEREAS, astronomer Alan Hale,
a native of Alamogordo, New Mexico, a resident of Cloudcroft, New Mexico and
director of the southwest institute for space research, co-discovered comet
Hale-Bopp in 1995, which generated much public interest when it appeared in the
nighttime skies two years later; and
WHEREAS, in response to
numerous "controversies" surrounding the comet at the time of its
appearance, Hale stressed the importance of science education and of scientists
diligently working toward alleviating scientific illiteracy; and
WHEREAS, Hale urges everyone to
look at the "wonders of the universe" and to use the inspiration they
thereby receive to confront the many challenges facing our society today; and
WHEREAS, in that spirit, Hale
led two delegations of Americans on "science diplomacy" expeditions
to Iran and thus utilized astronomy as a tool to foster improved relations with
the citizens of that nation; and
WHEREAS, Hale also journeyed to
Zimbabwe and, through astronomy, has had the opportunity to issue comforting
and encouraging statements in support of the citizens of that nation; and
WHEREAS, inspired by these and
other similar experiences, Hale developed the Earthrise project in 2002 to
inspire and encourage the next generation of students around the world to
collaborate in efforts to investigate the mysteries of the universe; and
WHEREAS, Earthrise takes its
name from the images of Earth taken by the Apollo astronauts, which reveal
Earth as "a small jewel in space with no political boundaries"; and
WHEREAS, Earthrise founders
hope that participants will learn to "share in their common humanity and
grow up to see their counterparts in other countries as friends and
colleagues";
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Alan Hale and the Earthrise
project be commended for their contributions to science, science education and
cultural understanding and that scientific research, the improvement of science
education and an emphasis on public science literacy and science as a tool for
mutual understanding be supported and made a priority in
New Mexico.