Beyond Academic Boundaries: Scientific Collaboration and Friendship in the Lorenzoni-Abetti Partnership

7 May 2025, 10:20
20m
Pisa

Pisa

Auditorium dell'Opera della Primaziale Pisana Piazza del Duomo, 17, Pisa, Italy
Review/Invited talk Session 2

Speaker

Valeria Zanini (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF))

Description

The scientific relationship between Giuseppe Lorenzoni (1843-1914) and Antonio Abetti (1846-1928) is one of the most significant and enduring partnerships in late 19th-century Italian astronomy. Despite their similar ages, Abetti always regarded Lorenzoni as his Master, a respect that fostered rather than hindered their productive scientific collaboration. Their deep personal bond, which extended to include their families, had an important impact on the scientific development of Italian astronomical research of the time. A prime example of their collaborative work was the expedition to India to observe the transit of Venus across the Sun, of which Lorenzoni was one of the principal organizers and in which Abetti took an active part. The correspondence exchanged between them during this extensive journey provides valuable insights into their close relationship, illuminating both the scientific endeavors and the personal dynamics that characterized their partnership, a collaboration that made remarkable contributions to astronomical advancement in the newly unified Italy.

Primary author

Valeria Zanini (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF))

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