Astronomy Archives

‘Vatican star gazer’ says new website promotes Church’s support for science

Apr 9, 2021

Even though there are more than 30 craters on the moon named after Jesuit scientists, to this day there are some who don’t know the Vatican has its own observatory, led of course, by a Jesuit.

By Inés San Martín

Jupiter, Saturn to put on ‘Christmas Star’ show at winter solstice

Dec 9, 2020

A once-every-two-decade conjunction involving the solar system’s two gas giants will give earthbound observers a look at a so-called “Christmas Star” on the winter solstice.

By Dennis Sadowski

Life on Venus? Proof God is bigger than we think, Vatican astronomer says

Sep 17, 2020

The Vatican’s top man on all things outer space has cautioned against getting too speculative about recent findings from a group of astronomers suggesting there could be life on Venus, but said that if anything living does exist on the planet, it doesn’t change the calculus in terms of God’s relationship with humanity.

By Elise Ann Allen

Vatican astronomer becomes 11th Jesuit to have an asteroid named for him

Jun 23, 2020

Father Chris Corbally, a stellar astronomer at the Vatican Observatory, has had his name attached to a rocky body in the asteroid belt that orbits the sun in slightly less than four years.

By Dennis Sadowski

50 years on, moon landing still generates a wistful sense of wonderment

Jul 6, 2019

Astronauts and astronomers discuss their emotions about their work 50 years after the first moon landing.

By Dennis Sadowski

Jesuit astronomer works to unravel the mysteries of galactic evolution

May 19, 2019

Jesuit Father Richard D’Souza is an up and coming astronomer who will work at the Vatican Observatory.

By Dennis Sadowski

Open skies: Vatican Observatory preparing public stargazing tour

Oct 4, 2018

When people ask why the Vatican has an observatory, one Jesuit priest says it’s because it cannot afford a particle accelerator.

By Carol Glatz

Scientists, believers should admit how little they know, pope says

Jun 16, 2018

Scientists and people of faith always must admit they don’t know everything, and they must never be afraid to explore and discover more, Pope Francis told astronomy students and experts.

By Carol Glatz