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Director of the Vatican Observatory Guy Consolmagno Asks Why Do We Look to the Heavens?

Published January 26, 2018

Astronomer, writer, and lecturer Brother Guy Consolmagno, S.J., will present two lectures at Nazareth College as part of the 2017-18 Shannon Lecture Series.

  • On March 1 at 7 p.m., Consolmagno will present Why do We Look to the Heavens? in the Forum of the Shults Center.
  • What does Catholic “Science” Look Like? will be March 2 at 1:30 p.m. in Linehan Chapel of the Golisano Academic Center.

 

These lectures are free and open to the public. Nazareth College is located at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, N.Y., 14618.

Brother Consolmagno is director of the Vatican Observatory and president of the Vatican Observatory Foundation. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees at MIT before going on to pursue a Ph.D. in planetary science at the University of Arizona. Since 1993, Consolmagno has worked at the Vatican Observatory, exploring the connections between meteorites, asteroids, and the evolution of small solar system bodies. He has travelled to every continent and even spent time collecting meteorites with a NASA team on the blue ice regions of Antarctica.

He has authored more than 200 publications in his field that challenge readers to think at the intersections of science and religion. His work has earned him appearances on The Colbert Report, BBC Radio, and the prestigious Carl Sagan Medal from the American Astronomical Society Division for Planetary Sciences for excellence in public communication in planetary sciences.

Guy Consolmagno’s presentations are the third chapter in the 2017-18 Shannon Lecture Series with the year’s theme Reclaiming Our Common Humanity. Calling for mercy and tenderness, Pope Francis continually reminds us of our common humanity. The 2017–2018 Shannon Chair Lecture Series gratefully celebrates his legacy of wisdom and witness to faith, justice, and peace.

For More Information

Julie Long | Chief Public Relations Officer | jlong2@naz.edu

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

Director of the Vatican Observatory Guy Consolmagno