• Astronomers consider processes as small as the interactions between individual atoms and as large as collisions between whole galaxies of stars.
  • Using observation and the application of reason, the ultimate goal of Astronomy is to achieve a detailed understanding of the processes and rules which govern the physical Universe -- including its birth and subsequent evolution -- and of the place of humanity within the Universe.
  • In keeping with the Augustinian tradition of pursuing and disseminating knowledge, the mission of the Department of Astrophysics & Planetary Science is two-fold:
  • to communicate growing and exciting new understanding of the Universe to the Villanova community
  • to participate actively in the acquisition of new astronomical knowledge.