The Vatican Observatory is one of the oldest active astronomical observatories in the world, with its roots going back to 1582 and the reform of the calendar; it was officially re-founded in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII

Today there are 13 Jesuits from 6 countries throughout the world on staff of the Observatory

The Observatory has its headquarters in the Vatican gardens at Castel Gandolfo, Italy and a research center, the Vatican Observatory Research Group, in Tucson, Arizona, one of the most important centers in the world for observational astronomy

Most telescopic research today takes place at the Observatory's location on Mt. Graham in Arizona

The Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT) in Arizona harnessed groundbreaking technology to make it one of the most powerful imaging telescopes in astronomy; it utilizes some of the most advanced and innovative optics, electronics, and mechanics available

The Jesuit astronomers of the Vatican Observatory have contributed to discoveries in many fields from the origins of our solar system to the structure of galaxies

Work in planetary sciences, cosmology and philosophy, stellar astronomy, and extragalactic astronomy is recognized by scientists throughout the world

Each year members of the Observatory staff share their expertise by making presentations on the average to over 5,000 persons from 90 educational, religious, academic and cultural groups

The Vatican Observatory has one of the most valuable meteorite collections in the world

Since 1986, the Vatican Observatory has hosted biennial Summer Schools at Castel Gandolfo to give young scientists from around the world an opportunity to learn with the world's leading experts in astronomy

The year 2009 has been named the International Year of Astronomy, in recognition of the 400^th anniversary of Galileo's first observations, with special events planned by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the Vatican Observatory and others

Funding for research and operations comes directly from the Holy See and amounts to about US$1,000,000 each year

Funding for the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope and educational initiatives comes only with the help of generous benefactors to the Vatican Observatory Foundation

The Vatican Observatory Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization which supports the scientific and educational endeavors of the Observatory, including the maintenance and enhancement of the VATT