Faith and Science in Harmony: Images from Hubble and James Webb Telescope

Fontbonne University, a private Catholic liberal arts university located in Clayton, invites the community to a special program featuring a virtual tour through our universe showcasing exciting discoveries revealed by Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope. The program is being presented as part of the university’s nearly year-long celebration of its Centennial from noon until 1 p.m., Friday, April 28, Fontbonne University, 6800 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, 63105. There is no charge to attend but seating is limited, and reservations are required at Lecture: Anton Koekemoer, research astrophysicist - Fontbonne University. The program will be presented by Dr. Anton Koekemoer, Ph.D., research astrophysicist at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. In addition to sharing the latest exciting astronomical discoveries about our universe, including some of the Hubble images that inspired the beautiful artwork in The Saint John’s Bible, Dr. Koekemoer will share some personal reflections, from his own perspective as a Christian, on how our scientific view of the universe can be reconciled in harmony with faith, to enrich our lives and our perspective on the universe in which we live. “From our own solar neighborhood to the most distant galaxies, from majestic star clusters to beautiful clouds of gas, we are always learning more about how our wonderful universe works,” said Dr. Koekemoer. “Yet, while the physical processes in our universe are explored by science, the sense of awe and wonder may be appreciated even more deeply by those who are of faith, as the Psalmist exclaims: ‘The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies proclaim His handiwork’ (Ps. 19:1), or further, ‘What is humankind, that Thou art mindful of us?’ (Ps. 8:4) while the very next verse, and the scriptures generally, describe how precious we all are.” “Dr. Koekemoer’s presentation will delight and inspire everyone who attends,” said Dr. Nancy Blattner, president of Fontbonne University. “Having previously heard Dr. Koekemoer lecture, I can attest to the brilliance of the images his presentation contains, the knowledge about the universe revealed by the Hubble and James Webb Space telescopes that he shares, and the reconciliation of his personal faith commitment with his life-long dedication to scientific discovery.” The Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, MD, is the scientific center of operations for Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope. Dr. Koekemoer has carried out research for over 25 years on his main scientific interests in distant galaxies and black holes. He holds a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the Australian National University, has held research positions at Leiden University, the Institut d’Astrophysique de Paris, and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and was in charge of one of the imaging cameras onboard Hubble for several years. He produced the original imaging of the Hubble Ultra Deep Field and other large cosmological projects, as well as several of the first public images released from the James Webb Space Telescope. In addition to his work as a research astrophysicist, Dr. Koekemoer in his personal time engages as a Christian in the dialog between faith and science, including serving as an advisor to seminaries who are integrating science into their courses, and other efforts aimed at reconciling faith and science in harmony with one another. About Fontbonne University Fontbonne University is a private, Catholic liberal arts university located in St. Louis, Missouri, committed to a transformative education and inspiring students to become global citizens who think critically and act ethically to create a more just world. The university was founded in 1923 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. For more information, visit www.fontbonne.edu. ###

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