A Jesuit's Guide to the Stars: Exploring Wonder, Beauty, and Science

by Guy Consolmagno

Explore the universe with the Pope’s astronomer.
Journey through the awe-inspiring cosmos with celebrated Jesuit astronomer Br. Guy Consolmagno in his masterful exploration of the universe and our place in it.

To turn each page of A Jesuit's Guide to the Stars is to appreciate anew the graceful alignment of God and science. Br. Guy leads the way as we discover the unbroken connection between Scripture, tradition, and humankind’s quest to see God in all things—even, or maybe especially, in the stars.

Brought to life with more than 70 stunning images of the cosmos, Br. Guy seamlessly integrates his studies and knowledge as a scientist with his personal journey as a man of faith. His uniquely inspiring story connects the heavens to the earth, the past to the present, and faith to science.

Whether you are a curious stargazer, an amateur astronomer, or someone seeking meaning in a universe that can seem impersonal, A Jesuit's Guide to the Stars will show you that the cosmos is a beautiful subject to contemplate and a joyful way to find God.
 

240 pages, Paperback

Published February 4, 2025

About the author

American research astronomer and planetary scientist at the Vatican Observatory.

B.A. and M.A. at MIT, Ph.D. 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, in 1983 he joined the US Peace Corps to serve in Kenya for two years, teaching astronomy and physics. After his return he took a position as Assistant Professor at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.

In 1989 he entered the Society of Jesus, and took vows as a brother in 1991. On entry into the order, he was assigned as an astronomer to the Vatican Observatory, where he also serves as curator of the Vatican Meteorite collection, positions he has held since then. In addition to his continuing professional work in planetary science, he has also studied philosophy and theology. (source: Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It is beautiful to read, thoughtful, and most of all joyful. I enjoy reading about both about theology and astronomy, so I expected to find ‘A Jesuit’s Guide to the Stars’ of interest. However it far exceeded my expectations. Guy Consolmagno SJ looks at the connections between God and astronomy from a number of different angles. Some chapters covered ideas I had already pondered, while others brought completely fresh thinking. The book is almost devotional in nature and calls me to again go out to the night sky and “find God in all things”. It is also intelligently written, and a useful examination of how theology and science interact.

I had a copy of the ebook, but I suspect that the hard copy would be even better, given the number of inspirational photographs supplied.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in astronomy, interested in theology, and especially to those who are interested in both.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely exquisite book. Makes me want to go to a dark sky park to ponder and pray.