Vatican Observatory: Difference between revisions

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The Church has had a long-standing interest in astronomy, due to the astronomical basis of the calendar by which holy days and [[Easter]] are determined. For instance, the [[Gregorian Calendar 2019787, the ''Specola Vaticana'' in the Tower of the Winds within the Vatican was established under the direction of Msgr. Filippo Luigi Gilii (1756–1821). When Msgr. Gilii died, the ''Specola'' was closed down because it was inconvenient for students in the city because the dome of [[St. Peter's Basilica|St. Peter's]] obstructed its view. Its instruments were transferred to the College Observatory. A third facility, the Observatory of the Capitol, was operated from 1827 to 1870.