Guy Consolmagno Livres

The book presents insights from a Jesuit brother and astronomer who directs the Vatican Observatory. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of science and theology, advocating for a communal approach to understanding the universe. Br. Guy Consolmagno encourages readers to engage in shared exploration and storytelling as a means to deepen their understanding of both scientific discoveries and spiritual truths.

A superb guidebook described as the home astronomer's "bible," this resource equips beginning amateur astronomers with essential information for observing the Moon, planets, and various celestial objects. Large-format diagrams depict these objects as seen through a small telescope, accompanied by insights into current astronomical knowledge. The revised edition introduces a chapter with ten new spreads on spectacular deep sky objects visible from the southern hemisphere and offers tips for observing the transits of Venus. It covers Dobsonian telescopes and provides hints for using personal computers and the Internet to plan observing sessions. New features include redrawn "Guidepost" figures for a three-dimensional view of the sky's dome, redesigned seasonal object layouts for enhanced naked-eye charts, and a new spread on double stars near Boötes, replacing the previous "Shrinking Double" spread. Additionally, a unique "When and Where to Look" table has been added. Specifically tailored for observers using small telescopes, this clear and user-friendly guide will engage skywatchers of all ages and backgrounds, requiring no prior knowledge of astronomy.

The book delves into the harmonious relationship between faith and science, challenging the misconception that they are in conflict. Highlighting historical figures like Fr. George Lemaitre and the Vatican Observatory, it presents faith and science as complementary avenues for discovering truth. Through his experiences as a Catholic priest, pastor, and hobbyist in astronomy, art, and music, Fr. James Kurzynski addresses fundamental questions about the interplay of these two realms, advocating for their collaborative exploration of existence and meaning.

How does a scientist find God in the universe? Br. Guy Consolmagno's My Theology book is his personal reflection on this question.

The science/faith discussion is often hindered by a fundamental misunderstanding of the role and function of science. This misunderstand was made most evident, with tragic consequences, during the recent pandemic. The ways that science has gone wrong, and the underlying causes of how it goes wrong, will be illustrated here with a series of historical essays describing ideas about the universe, planet Earth, and the evolution of life that were all based on ideas that were reasonable...but ultimately wrong. Some are amusing in retrospect; others are tragic. Theology, philosophy, or even mathematics may lay claim to eternal truths, but in science our very cosmologies change. Just as the major religions have adapted in the face of changing cultural cosmologies, so too has science adapted in the face of challenging new observations and new ideas. Religions and science are strengthened by experiencing a shift in our assumptions; that's where we find out what's essential, and what is cultural baggage. Ultimately, the point of our science is not to come up with the "right answer." Both as scientists and as human beings, we know that sometimes we learn the most by encountering ideas that challenge us. When we say, "I know that can't be right; so, where did it go wrong?" we gain a greater insight into what we do believe, and what it really means.

Jezuiti dostávajú od pápežov už celé stáročia rôzne špecifické poslania a úlohy. Plnenie takýchto osobitných misií je ich charizmou. Patrí k nim aj vedenie Vatikánskeho observatória, oficiálneho astronomického výskumného pracoviska katolíckej Cirkvi. Táto kniha je rozhovorom dvoch jezuitov, ktorí v ňom pracujú. Spája sa v nich vášeň pre stále napredujúci vedecký výskum vesmíru s obrovským záujmom o dnešného človeka plného otázok, pochybnosti, nádejí, obáv a veľkej túžby po poznaní. Autori čitateľa vedú k rozoznávaniu úlohy vedy a viery v ľudskom živote, hľadajú odpoveď na otázku o Božom pôsobení vo vesmíre. Východiskovými témami tohto vynikajúceho a inšpirativneho čítania sú: vznik vesmíru, metódy, ktoré používajú prírodovedci pri svojej práci, nedorozumenia medzi Cirkvou a vedcami, biblické správy o mimoriadnych prírodných javoch, otázka konca sveta a postoj kresťanov k možnej existencii mimozemských civilizácií.

Wie passen Glaube und Wissenschaft zusammen? Und woher kommen wir und wohin gehen wir? Diese und andere Fragen beantworten zwei Jesuiten, die an einem exklusiven Ort arbeiten: an der vatikanischen Sternwarte in Castel Gandolfo – näher dran an Religion und Wissenschaft kann man nicht sein. Die beiden Autoren streifen durch die Geschichte der Menschheit, diskutieren über grundlegende Fragen und geben verblüffende Antworten, die komplizierte Zusammenhänge ganz leicht erklären und dabei sehr oft überraschen. Selten wurden schwierige Themen so anschaulich, einfach und unterhaltsam behandelt. Ein Muss für alle, die Spaß an den großen und spannenden Fragen unseres Universums haben. „Das Handeln, das wir im Universum beobachten können, entspringt nicht der zufälligen Laune irgendeiner heidnischen Gottheit. Die erstaunliche Komplexität der physikalischen Welt ergibt sich aus logischen, vernünftigen Regeln, die im Grunde ganz einfach sind. Doch die Physik hinter dem Leuchten der Sterne ist nicht nur logisch und vernünftig. Sie ist auch schön. Und das sagt mir einiges über denjenigen, der für diese Sterne verantwortlich ist." (Guy Consolmagno)