Does a summer studying astronomy in Rome sound interesting? If so, you might want to consider applying to be part of an astronomy program at the Vatican Observatory. The 440-year-old institution will be accepting 25 new applicants for the summer 2025 program.
Next summer’s program is titled “Exploring the Universe with JWST.” Here is a little more detail on the program:
Since the first release of data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in July 2022, we have witnessed a transformation in astronomy. VOSS 2025 will present a comprehensive overview of the major JWST results in its first three years (2022-2025), covering the four major scientific themes of JWST: (1) First Light and Reionization, (2) Assembly and Evolution of Galaxies, (3) Birth of Stars and Protoplanetary systems, and (4) Planetary Systems and the Origin of Life. In parallel, we will also provide a series of hands-on tutorials for JWST data processing and analysis. VOSS 2025 will convey the excitement of astronomical research in the era of JWST and the skills to pursue research projects spanning a broad range of themes in astrophysics.
The Catholic Church has come a long way since its treatment of Galileo. This observatory is just one example of the Church’s openness to the world around us.
You can read more about the 2023 summer program from the students themselves in this article.
Our Awesome Universe 