Vatican Observatory Archives

Father George Coyne, astronomer, promoter of science-theology dialogue, dies

Feb 13, 2020

Jesuit Father George V. Coyne, who led the Vatican Observatory as its director for 28 years, got his start in the field of astronomy as a young student in formation for the priesthood by secretly studying under his blanket, flashlight in hand.

By Dennis Sadowski

Through crackly transmission, these two eavesdropped on Apollo 11 landing

Jul 21, 2019

The NASA astronauts didn’t know it, but WHAS radio technician Larry Baysinger and his journalist friend Glenn Rutherford had tapped the frequency of the 12-watt radios — walkie talkie-type communicators — used by Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin and Armstrong on the moon’s surface.

By Marnie McAllister

Pope’s astronomer says moon landing milestone offers lesson in hope

Jul 18, 2019

For Brother Guy Consolmagno, director of the Vatican Observatory, the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on the moon is a reminder of how much can be accomplished when humanity pools its creativity and determination toward a common cause.

By Elise Harris

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

Vatican astronomer says space the new terrestrial frontier

Nov 15, 2018

Brother Guy Consolmagno, the Jesuit research astronomer who runs the Vatican’s observatory, said that global interest in outer space is increasing at astronomical proportions, meaning there must be a clearer set of rules outlining peaceful space conduct.

By Elise Harris