Catholic astronomer. Born Ponte, Italy, 1746; died Naples, Italy, 1826. Joined the Theatine at Milan. Professor of dogmatic theology at Rome in 1779. Professor of mathematics of Palermo in 1780. Director of the observatory at Palermo in 1791. Discovered the first planetoid Ceres on January 1, 1801. Published star catalogues in 1803,1814 that include about 7000 fixed stars. Director of the observatory at Naples in 1817.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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