Product Description
Why does the starlit sky hold such a profound fascination for us?
Perhaps because it is there that we encounter, commingled, the mystery of light and darkness two primal experiences connected with the beginning and end of human life.

Perhaps it comes from seeing the order, both overt and occult, in the movement of celestial spheres, with which we sense ourselves secretly involved.

Perhaps it is because we feel so small before the starry universe and in this way we begin to become aware within ourselves of the grand questions regarding our existence and our passing through life.

Why are there telescopes on the roof of the Pope's Summer home in Castel Gandolfo?

For more than 100 years, the Vatican has supported an astronomical observatory. But that should come as no surprise; from even before the Gregorian Reform of the Calendar in 1582, indeed dating back to the invention of the University (where studying astronomy was a requirement for anyone wanting a doctorate in philosophy or theology!) the Church has not only supported astronomical research...it has seen the study of the Heavens as a way of getting to know the Creator!

In honor of the International Year of Astronomy, the Vatican and its Observatory is delighted to present this small expression of support, filled with beautiful images from the Vatican's telescopes and wisdom from the Popes, to show that indeed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Exalting beauty
An interesting history of the Vatican Observatory.The articles are informative and inspiring, the pictures are
exquisitely beautiful.

Haven't read it but my dad liked it
I bought this for my dad for Christmas and he seems to like it.I saw the author on The Colbert Report and thought, "hey, my dad is both a devout Catholic and an astronomy enthusiast".It's more of a coffee table book but I was impressed by the author and thought it would be right up Dad's alley.He tells me it was a great choice so I guess I can recommend it to anyone interested in astronomy, the Vatican, or a Catholic perspective on the Universe.

Copy Edit
I bought this book as a Christmas present for my wife.The book is beautiful as everybody else has indicated and my wife states that it is a good read and interesting. She likes the book as it combines her interests in science and faith

That being said, my wife who has considered becoming a copy editor, is constantly reading sentences to me from the book with the prefix, "What is wrong with this sentence?"In all honesty, *I* would have never picked up on the errors, but if you are a linguistic savant, you might be bothered by some of the issues that bothers her.Overall she is happy with the book, but as she put it, "it's a shame that such a beautiful book is tarnished by such poor copy editing."

Great blend of Astronomy and Religion
I will admit, I am a little bias.I am a practicing Roman Catholic and a self-proclaimed amateur astronomer.
However, I think this book is incredible.It was put together well with gorgeous pictures taken from the Vatican's observatory.
It does not force one to to believe one way or the other, but it does show how religion and science can co-exist in a
symbiotic relationship....it blends the two, well.

I would definitely recommend this for anyone who practices their faith regardless if you are Catholic.

The Heaven's Proclaim
I recently received an e-mail from Amazon.com inviting me to write a review for a book I had purchased from them, "The Heavens Proclaim."I am delighted to oblige. 1.) because it's a great book. 2.) because it's edited by my son, Brother Guy Consolmagno of the Vatican Observatory.

As a collection of articles on various aspects of astronomy by a dozen astronomers, the book is the equivalent of an overview college course on the subject. It also explains the Vatican's centuries-old interest in Astronomy.The book is a large coffee-table tome, beautifully printed and stunningly illistrated.it cost me $26 from Amazon. And Guy's tuition at MIT. ... Read more

Product Description
About this Astronomy Book:

This astronomy book is for anyone looking to learn more about astronomy.From Planets and Stars to information about all the different constellations and how to recognize them, this astronomy book will lead you on a wonderful journey into the stars and beyond.

Inside this book:

Table of Contents:

Telescopes and Light
Exploring the Stars
All About the Sun
About Galaxies
Exploring the Solar System
Visiting the Planets
Reflecting on the Moon
What About Comets and Meteors
A Discussion on Blackholes
How Stars Die
About Our Planets Part 1
About Our Planets Part 2
How to Recognize the Constellations
Poor Maligned Pluto
Astrology - Fact and Fiction

Get your copy today and start enjoying astronomy and all it's beauty and mystery...
... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Beginner astronomers
This is a great book for anyone who is interested in astronomy but hasn't had the resources to learn about it. It gives you information on the planets, stars, galaxies, etc. in easy to understand words. Don't be surprised if the reader of this book becomes infatuated with the sky, it is seriously an awesome subject to learn about and this book will guide you in the right direction to become an expert on the universe.

good astronomy guide for people getting started
good astronomy guide for people getting started.simple but thorough astronomy information that will get any beginning explorer going.

Kids and Beginners will Love this Astronomy Book
Kids and Beginners will Love this Astronomy Book. This will teach you all the basics and is well organized for the kindle.Planet, Stars, Universe...it's all here for the beginners and what they need to get started exploring.

Good Astronomy Book for Beginners and Kids
Good Astronomy Book for Beginners and Kids.This is an easy read and has good information about astronomy that will teach kids and beginners all the basics with some intermediate stuff as well. ... Read more

Product Description
"This book is a McGraw-Hill Custom Publishing textbook and contains select materials from Explorations An Introduction to Astronomy, Third Edition by Thomas T. Arny." ... Read more

Product Description
Electronic Time for Learning: Stars and Planets is an electronic sound book that teaches readers about the solar system through enlightening text, colorful photos and diagrams, audio descriptions, and interactive quizzes. Aimed at children ages seven to ten, this hardcover book unlocks the mysteries of the universe from the sun to the stars to the countless galaxies.
Each chapter is packed with facts that are focused on an astronomical topic. To hear audio descriptions related to a topic, readers enter three-digit codes found on the book s pages into an attached keypad. For example, they can enter a code to hear a narrator define a star, listen to details about Uranus s rings, and hear information on planetary atmospheres.
Each chapter in Electronic Time for Learning: Stars and Planets concludes with a Chapter Review quiz that enhances learning, with questions ranging from What causes a solar eclipse? to How many moons orbit Venus? To answer the multiple-choice questions, simply enter the question code, listen to the question, and enter the one-digit number that corresponds with your answer. If you answer incorrectly, you ll be prompted to try again.
Electronic Time for Learning: Stars and Planets is an entertaining way to explore the stars and planets through sights and sounds. Readers will find a universe of information in these topics:
A history of astronomy
The stars
The sun
Our planetary family
The moons in our planetary family
Fascinating small objects in our solar system
The incalculable number of galaxies
The Milky Way
Space exploration ... Read more

Product Description
164 pages, workbook in astronomy ... Read more