ROSENTHAL PUSHES LIGHT LEGISLATION

assembly member linda rosenthal is looking toward the sky. a self-described "anti-light pollution advocate," rosenthal wants 2009 to be the year of astronomy, and designated april 2?5 to be the "100 hours of astronomy in new york state." these two resolutions passed the assembly on march 30 and 31. "many of us living in cities are often unable to even see the stars most of the time," rosenthal said in a statement. "it is my hope that these two initiatives will give more new yorkers a chance to unlock the secrets of a darkened sky." the international astronomical union declared 2009 the international year of astronomy in celebration of the 400th anniversary of galileo's use of the telescope. the year's biggest astronomical event was last week's 100 hours of astronomy.