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Explore Alliance Ambassadors - Brother Guy Consolmagno SJ

Explore Alliance Ambassadors - Brother Guy Consolmagno SJ
Vatican Observatory

Advocate for the Mutual Enrichment of Science and Faith

Director of the Vatican Observatory and President of the Vatican Observatory Foundation, Brother Guy Consolmagno, SJ, is an esteemed planetary scientist and Jesuit brother whose work bridges the realms of science and faith. Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1952, Brother Guy earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and later completed his PhD in Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Brother Guy Consolmagno SJ on the 165th Global Star Party

Before joining the Jesuits in 1989, Brother Guy pursued a diverse career in academia and research. He served as a lecturer at Harvard College Observatory and MIT and taught physics at the University of Nairobi and Lafayette College. His professional contributions include studies on the origins and evolution of small bodies in the solar system, particularly meteorites and asteroids.

Since joining the Vatican Observatory in 1993, Brother Guy has contributed significantly to the institution’s scientific mission, which demonstrates the harmony between science and the Catholic faith. He has authored or co-authored numerous books and over 200 scientific papers, including the acclaimed books Turn Left at Orion and Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial? co-written with fellow Vatican astronomer Father Paul Mueller, SJ.

In 2015, Pope Francis appointed Brother Guy as the director of the Vatican Observatory. Under his leadership, the observatory has expanded its outreach efforts and continued its advanced astronomical research, including collaborations with major observatories and universities worldwide. He also oversees the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT) on Mount Graham in Arizona.

Scott Roberts visiting Br. Guy at the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolpho

Brother Guy is a recipient of the prestigious Carl Sagan Medal for Excellence in Public Communication in Planetary Science, awarded by the American Astronomical Society. His ability to communicate complex scientific concepts with clarity, humor, and humanity has made him a beloved figure in both the scientific and religious communities.

As a passionate advocate for the mutual enrichment of science and faith, Brother Guy continues to inspire curiosity and wonder about the universe, encouraging dialogue between disciplines and reminding us of the profound questions that unite humanity.

Recommended Reading

When Science Goes Wrong

When Science Goes Wrong: The Desire and Search for Truth by Br. Guy Consolmagno, SJ, and Christopher Graney explores how misunderstandings about science’s role can lead to tragic outcomes, as seen during the recent pandemic. Through historical essays, it examines how reasonable yet flawed ideas shaped views on the universe, Earth, and life’s evolution. The authors argue that both science and religion grow stronger by adapting to challenges, finding truth through questioning and re-evaluation.

 

A Jesuit's Guide to the Stars

A Jesuit's Guide to the Stars: Explore the Universe with the Pope’s Astronomer. Join Br. Guy Consolmagno, S.J., as he masterfully unites faith and science in A Jesuit’s Guide to the Stars. With over 70 stunning cosmic images, he explores the harmony between Scripture, tradition, and the universe, revealing how the heavens inspire wonder, discovery, and a deeper connection to God.

 

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