Oklahoma now has a state astronomical object.On Tuesday, the state Senate passed House Bill 1292, which designates the Rosette Nebula, which is in the Monoceros constellation, as the official astronomical object of Oklahoma."Our state has a long connection with the space industry," said Rep. Nicole Miller, who co-authored the bill. "Every year, hundreds of people from around the country gather in Oklahoma’s panhandle to stargaze at Black Mesa State Park, and by naming a state astronomical object, we’re helping to promote tourism in our state and encourage STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education."Miller, R-Edmond, said a constituent who is a member of the Oklahoma Astronomy Club told her about the designation. Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko, and Sen. Rob Stanridge, R-Norman, also helped write the bill."The Oklahoma Panhandle, which is home to Black Mesa State Park, is known for some of the darkest night skies in the United States, which makes for fantastic stargazing opportunities," Patzkowsky said. "Combined with Black Mesa being the highest point in the state, we already attract one of the largest stargazing parties in the country. "Having an astronomical object to call our own will increase the interest in this activity and boost tourism dollars for our area."House Bill 1292 passed the Senate with a 33-12 vote and the House 88-9. The bill heads to Gov. Kevin Stitt's desk to be signed into law."We’re learning more about the universe every day," Standridge said. "I hope this designation will inspire future Oklahoma astronomers to add to that knowledge with new discoveries."

Oklahoma now has a state astronomical object.

On Tuesday, the state Senate passed House Bill 1292, which designates the Rosette Nebula, which is in the Monoceros constellation, as the official astronomical object of Oklahoma.


"Our state has a long connection with the space industry," said Rep. Nicole Miller, who co-authored the bill. "Every year, hundreds of people from around the country gather in Oklahoma’s panhandle to stargaze at Black Mesa State Park, and by naming a state astronomical object, we’re helping to promote tourism in our state and encourage STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education."

Miller, R-Edmond, said a constituent who is a member of the Oklahoma Astronomy Club told her about the designation. Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko, and Sen. Rob Stanridge, R-Norman, also helped write the bill.

"The Oklahoma Panhandle, which is home to Black Mesa State Park, is known for some of the darkest night skies in the United States, which makes for fantastic stargazing opportunities," Patzkowsky said. "Combined with Black Mesa being the highest point in the state, we already attract one of the largest stargazing parties in the country.

"Having an astronomical object to call our own will increase the interest in this activity and boost tourism dollars for our area."

House Bill 1292 passed the Senate with a 33-12 vote and the House 88-9. The bill heads to Gov. Kevin Stitt's desk to be signed into law.

"We’re learning more about the universe every day," Standridge said. "I hope this designation will inspire future Oklahoma astronomers to add to that knowledge with new discoveries."