Online Astronomy Session by Rev.      Richard A. D’Souza, S.J.

On 1st of December 2025, the students of Loyola School, Jamshedpur, and De Nobili School, Bhuli had the privilege of attending an enriching online session on astronomy conducted by Fr. Richard A. D’Souza, S.J. During the session, Fr. Vinod Fernandez, Principal of Loyola School, Tr. Jayanti Sheshadri, Vice Principal and Senior Alumni Member Mr. Rony D’Costa were also present, adding significance to the event. Fr. Richard is a renowned Jesuit astronomer known for his research on galaxies and cosmic structures. He has done his Ph.D in Astronomy from the Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich in 2016. He has also worked with leading observatories around the world and is widely respected for his scientific contributions as well as his dedication to education and outreach. 

Rev. D’Souza began the session by highlighting the remarkable contributions of Jesuits to the field of astronomy. He explained how Jesuit scholars have been deeply involved in scientific exploration for centuries, playing important roles in observatories, astronomical research, and education. This helped students understand the long-standing relationship between the Jesuit tradition and scientific advancement.

One of the most intriguing parts of the session was when he shared that an asteroid has been named after him in recognition of his contributions to astronomy. This sparked excitement among the students as they realized that dedicated scientific work can leave a mark even in space. Fr. D’Souza then moved on to explain the basic concepts of astronomy, ensuring that even beginners could follow. He described how stars are formed from massive clouds of gas and dust, and how their positions in the sky are not constant, changing slowly over time. He then proceeded to explain many different theories given by different scientists in a simple yet captivating way, helping students visualize complex astronomical processes with ease. 

During the interactive session, students eagerly asked questions related to galaxies and space exploration. Fr. D’Souza patiently and clearly addressed all their doubts, encouraging scientific curiosity and critical thinking.

Overall, the session was a memorable learning experience, leaving students inspired to explore the wonders of astronomy further. It not only broadened their scientific understanding but also motivated them to pursue knowledge beyond textbooks. The schools expressed their gratitude to Rev. Richard A. D’Souza, S.J., for sharing his expertise and passion for astronomy with the young learners.