Vatican Astronomer to speak in Edinburgh

Brother Guy Consolmagno SJ

The first in the autumn series of talks at the Lauriston Jesuit Centre in Edinburgh will be given by Brother Guy Consolmagno SJ from the Vatican Observatory. On Saturday 14 September, he will be asking 'Why Does The Pope Have An Astronomer?'

For more than 100 years, the Vatican has supported an astronomical observatory, with a modern advanced technology telescope in the deserts of Arizona. Indeed, it has supported astronomers as far back as the 16th century reform of the calendar. In his talk in Edinburgh, Br Consolmagno will be addressing the questions: Why does the Vatican continue to have an observatory today? And what is the connection between religion and modern science?

Br Guy Consolmagno SJ obtained his BA and MA degrees at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his PhD at the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, all in planetary science. After postdoctoral research and teaching at Harvard College Observatory and MIT, he taught astronomy and physics with the US Peace Corps, serving in Kenya for two years. He then took a position as Assistant Professor at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, before applying to enter the Society of Jesus as a brother in 1989. Since taking his vows in 1991, he has been an astronomer and curator of meteorites at the Vatican Observatory. He also writes a monthly column on astronomy for The Tablet.

The talk will take place at the Lauriston Jesuit Centre, Lauriston Street, Edinburgh EH3 9DJ at 7.30pm on Saturday 14 September. For more information, contact Fr James Crampsey SJ on 0131 477 5788 or email jcrampsey@lauriston.org.uk