The Wonder of the Heavens at the Vatican Observatory

On Friday, October 31, as part of the Jubilee celebrations, the Vatican Observatory, in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), presented two special events dedicated to the beauty and mystery of the universe.

The day began in Castel Gandolfo, at the historic Barberini domes, with the opening of the exhibition “Enchanted by Wonder.” The exhibition invites visitors on a visual journey through distant galaxies, colorful nebulae and fascinating stellar systems. Large color prints from the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes allow viewers to explore extraordinary celestial phenomena—from Jupiter’s auroras to vibrant star nurseries and recently discovered exoplanets. Each image is accompanied by scientific commentary from researchers at Johns Hopkins University and STScI, highlighting both its aesthetic dimension and scientific value.

Br. Guy Consolmagno, S.J., Director Emeritus of the Vatican Observatory, emphasized that immersing oneself in these images means feeling part of the nebulae and galaxies themselves, and that revealing their beauty and the discoveries they contain is a way to give glory to the Creator.

In the evening, attention turned to Rome in the evocative setting of the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, for the event “The Sky and Wonder.” Speakers included Br. Consolmagno, Ileana Chinnici (INAF), Ray Jayawardhana (Johns Hopkins University) and Massimo Stiavelli (STScI), who engaged in a dialogue about the power of astronomical observations to nurture human curiosity and transform our vision of the cosmos.

The evening featured talks, spectacular images from the James Webb Space Telescope, a moderated discussion, and an open exchange with the audience. It was a unique occasion to bring together science, art and spirituality—rediscovering the sense of wonder that arises from the simple act of looking up at the sky.