This has been a very strange summer. Between ministerial responsibilities, weather, wildfire smoke and personal matters, stargazing has been at a minimum. My passion for the night sky is as strong as ever, spending most of my free moments keeping track of things like comet 3I/ATLAS (C/2025 N1). And yes… its a comet… not a spaceship… I really get annoyed with clickbait sensationalism these days.
Below is a link to a realtime graphic NASA has created to track this interstellar visitor. Click on the image below or follow the link to see where 3I/ATLAS is right now! https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/solar-system/?fbclid=IwY2xjawM-SBFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnK7W-cwUu-678b_wDWsBww6jZNw_3PNLIx9JVsfjjUHrG4yByMVMLSoKf2A_aem_eGts03U6pSsWucHqcItqPg#/c_2025_n1
Something else that fueled my love of astronomy was seeing Bob Trembly’s post announcing that the registration for the next Astronomy for Catholics in Ministry and Education (ACME) is now open!
I always find these workshops inspiring. The rare experience to spend a week with scientists from the Vatican Observatory, friends of the Vatican Observatory, visit active professional astronomy sites and do so in an atmosphere of prayer and community at the Redemptorist Renewal Center is a true gift. I also was blessed to do my sabbatical at the renewal center. Here are some night sky images I captured during my sabbatical
Since we will be observing in January, a lot of our evening observation will be of objects in the Constellation Orion (specifically Orion’s belt) and also the Andromeda Galaxy.
Each night, weather permitting, we set up telescopes for participants to observe. Fair warning, it is January in the desert so if you come do pack at heavy sweater, jacket and warm hat for the night observations.
If clouds invade, we always have alternative activities planned. What I love about these sessions is that they are not only a nice time to do some stargazing, but it also provides a relaxed time to talk and ask questions about astronomy and our faith journey.
Looking at these images brings back so many good memories of workshops from the past, people that I have met and how this experience has helped me grow in my love of faith and astronomy. If you are considering coming to ACME, there is one suggestion I would make for how to mentally and spiritually approach this experience:
The Jesuits and presenters will bring the science to you, you bring your faith to reflect on what you learn about astronomy.
What I mean is that this isn’t a workshop that will “spoonfeed” you. It doesn’t take an issue of faith and an issue of science and then shows you the bridge. You will be thrown into the world of professional astronomy and you are invited to reflect on these experiences with your faith. A part of bringing your faith to this experience is to embrace the community aspect of our gathering, ask questions – even the one’s you’re afraid to ask because you don’t understand the science of astronomy. If there ever was a place that was safe to ask “dumb” questions about astronomy, this is it! You will be in a safe, supportive environment to explore those questions and grow through them.
If you can’t tell, I really love these workshops. If your prayer moves you, I would highly recommend that you sign up! I hope to see you in Tucson!
