A new window into the Vatican Observatory
The Vatican Observatory has a new Web site, podcast and online store.
The Vatican Observatory is one of the oldest active astronomical observatories in the world with roots going back to 1582 and the Gregorian reform of the calendar.
The observatory conducts astronomical research and public outreach to promote scientific understanding of our universe.
The Observatory headquarters are in Castel Gandolfo, a town just outside Rome and the location of the summer residence of the popes. A dozen priests and brothers live and study there.
The Observatory also has a research group at the University of Arizona, where in partnership with the university, the Observatory has constructed the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope on Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona. The telescope began operation in 1993.
Vatican Observatory podcasts are available via several services and they feature one of the Pope’s own Jesuit astronomers speaking with a notable figure in the world of space exploration or science.
For example, one episode features Jesuit Br Guy Consolmagno – a planetary scientist, director of the Vatican Observatory and president of the foundation – speaking with US astronaut Nicole Stott and her husband Christopher Stott of the International Institute of Space Commerce. They discuss moon tourism and what living on or in the moon would look like as well as personal anecdotes, including how their faith fits in with their love of science.
The Vatican Observatory works with the Vatican Observatory Foundation to educate and engage the public about astronomy and dialogue between faith and science.
www.vaticanobservatory.org
Vatican Observatory podcast