WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) introduced a resolution to designate October 5, 2026, as "National Beyond the Milky Way Day," commemorating the groundbreaking discovery that the Milky Way is just one of countless galaxies and celebrating the scientific research that fundamentally transformed humanity's understanding of the universe.

The resolution recognizes a transformative breakthrough in astronomy made possible by American scientific leadership, the pioneering work of astronomers at Carnegie Science, and the world-class facilities at Mount Wilson Observatory in the San Gabriel Mountains.

On October 5, 1923, Carnegie Science astronomer Edwin Powell Hubble, working overnight at Mount Wilson Observatory, identified a Cepheid variable star in what was then thought to be the Andromeda Nebula. Using the period-luminosity relationship discovered by Harvard astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt, now known as Leavitt's Law, Hubble was able to determine the star's distance from Earth. His observations provided decisive evidence that Andromeda was not a nebula within the Milky Way, but an entirely separate galaxy far beyond its boundaries.

This discovery fundamentally transformed humanity's understanding of the universe, establishing that the Milky Way was not the entirety of the universe, but just one galaxy among countless others in an unimaginably vast universe. It remains one of the most consequential discoveries in the history of astronomy.

"More than a century ago, right here in the San Gabriel Mountains, a groundbreaking discovery forever changed humanity's understanding of our place in the universe," said Rep. Chu. "I'm proud to honor the scientists and institutions whose pioneering work made that discovery possible. Their achievement is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we invest in scientific research, discovery, and collaboration, and I will always fight to ensure America continues making those investments for generations to come."

"Our founder, Andrew Carnegie, foresaw that investing in scientific research would pay dividends for all of humankind. Discovery science, like the astronomical breakthroughs pioneered by Edwin Hubble, have fed our collective hunger to understand our place in the universe and we continue to push the boundaries of discovery today," said Carnegie Science President John Mulchaey. "We are so grateful to Rep. Judy Chu for her tireless advocacy for science both here in Pasadena and nationwide. Her work enables the next generation of Hubbles and Leavitts to advance our knowledge of the natural world."

The resolution is co-sponsored by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), and Ted Lieu (CA-36).

It is endorsed by Carnegie Science.

The full text of the resolution is available HERE.