Category Archives: Astronomy

Miguel de Cervantes in Space

Posted on 16 May 2017 by

As far as we yet know, the stellar system Mu Arae has four planets. Some three-hundred trillion miles away, it is not a particularly conspicuous star in the not particularly conspicuous constellation of Ara, the altar. A few years ago, … Continue reading →

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Who Orbits?

Posted on 28 April 2017 by

From Pope Francis’s TED talk this week: How wonderful would it be if the growth of scientific and technological innovation would come along with more equality and social inclusion. How wonderful would it be, while we discover faraway planets, to … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, Church News, Commentary | 2 Comments

Earth From Apollo 17

Posted on 22 April 2017 by

The iconic image from the last astronauts to return from the moon. Reminds me of this song from Missa Gaia. And the great medieval saint, Hildegard of Bingen: Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at … Continue reading →

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Of the Evangelist and Eagles

Posted on 27 December 2016 by

Today’s apostle was the patron of one of the parishes I once served. It seems like a tough time for a patronal feast in an ordinary parish; the bustle of Christmas Eve and Day is past and many people in … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, Liturgy, Saints, Scripture, spirituality | Leave a comment

Christmas Tree Cluster

Posted on 25 December 2016 by

Blessings to all readers, friends, companions on this holy feast. Stars, keep the watch when night is dim One more light the bowl shall brim Shining beyond the frosty weather Bright as sun and moon together. (Eleanor Farjeon) Image credit.

Posted in Astronomy, Christmas | 2 Comments

On My Bookshelf: The Hubble Cosmos

Posted on 19 October 2016 by

Upfront: I’ve been an avid reader of National Geographic since 1969. I usually catch up these days at the public library, as I never wanted to recycle their magazines. And those volumes get heavy as the years pile up. I … Continue reading →

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The High Queen of Late Night

Posted on 15 October 2016 by

One of the first star patterns I recognized as a young lad was the “W” (or “M,” from another perspective) opposite Ursa Major (The Big Dipper) from the north star’s constellation, Ursa Minor. These days, a northern hemisphere viewer will see this … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, constellations | 2 Comments