Jesuit brother wins Carl Sagan science medal

Who says that faith and science can't go hand in hand?

 

For his unique perspective as a man of science and of religion, a Jesuit brother has earned the Carl Sagan Medal from the American Astronomical Society (AAS).

 

Brother Guy Consolmagno was cited for his books and speaking engagements in Europe and the United States, including his commencement address to Class 2014 at Georgetown University.

 

The Carl Sagan award is named after the late astronomer Carl Sagan, a writer of the 1980 television series “Cosmos.”

 

“As a Jesuit Brother, Guy has become the voice of the juxtaposition of planetary science and astronomy with Christian belief, a rational spokesperson who can convey exceptionally well how religion and science can co-exist for believers,” Jesuit.org quoted the AAS as saying.

 

He will be presented the award in November, at the 46th annual meeting of the Division for Planetary Sciences in Tucson, Arizona.

 

Jesuit.org also said the AAS' Division for Planetary Sciences noted Consolmagno has a "unique position within our profession as a credible spokesperson for scientific honesty within the context of religious belief.”

 

Consolmagno was particularly cited for his book “Turn Left at Orion,” which the AAS said “has had an enormous impact on the amateur astronomy community, engendering public support for astronomy.”

 

AAS added Consolmagno is frequently interviewed on BBC radio about planetary science. He also has his own BBC radio show on the origins of the universe, “A Brief History of the End of Everything.” — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News