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The Vatican Observatory is the oldest __________ institution
of Europe that is still functioning. (Fill in the blank)

   Economic Affairs
   Postal
   European Union
   Astronomical

Your answer was: Astronomical.
You are correct!!


Answer: The Vatican Observatory is the oldest astronomical institution of Europe that is still functioning. The Vatican Observatory is an astronomical research and educational institution supported by the Holy See. In the 18th century, the Papacy actively supported astronomy, establishing the Observatory of the Roman College in 1774. During the 1930's Pope Pius XI relocated the observatory to where it is now headquartered in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. It also operates a telescope at the Mount Graham International Observatory in the United States.

CLICK HERE for interesting information on
'The History of the Vatican Observatory'
on VaticanObservatory.va


A View of the Telescope Domes on the Roof of the Vatican Observatory,
at the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo