The Digital Press

The Vatican Observatory, one of the world’s oldest active astronomical observatories, combines centuries of tradition with modern scientific research conducted by Jesuit scientists worldwide.

Why it matters: It bridges faith and science, contributing to key discoveries in planetary science, cosmology, and astronomy.

The big picture: The Observatory operates globally, with headquarters in Italy and a major research center in Arizona for advanced observations.

Stunning stat: It preserves an archive of astronomical photos dating back to the late 19th century and a top meteorite collection.

Commenters say: Readers appreciate the Observatory’s unique blend of historical heritage and cutting-edge science, emphasizing its global collaboration and research impact.