Ricordi dei raggi cosmici

The Pion's Journey and the Forgotten Physicists

Join us as we recount Vitti and Marco's challenging 1936 Alps expedition, where their groundbreaking observations of particle interactions brought them closer to uncovering the mysterious pion. Though Yukawa's theory earned global acclaim and the Nobel Prize, Vitti and Marco's cautious approach led to their contributions being overlooked. This episode reflects on their perseverance, the wonder of discovery, and the poignant reality of unrecognized scientific achievements.

Georges Lemaître and Cosmic Fireworks

Vitti recounts her memorable conversations with Georges Lemaître, sharing his poetic vision of the universe’s creation and his metaphor of cosmic rays as embers of divine fireworks. The episode connects Lemaître’s theories with historical advancements in cosmic ray science and reflects on the harmony he found between physics and faith. Closing with readings from Lemaître's works, the episode celebrates his unique blending of scientific discovery and spiritual awe.

Georges Lemaitre and the Poetry of Cosmic Origins

Vitti recounts her transformative first meeting with Georges Lemaître, whose ideas bridged science and spirituality through poetic metaphors like cosmic rays as divine fireworks. The episode reflects on Lemaître’s legacy as both physicist and priest and his lasting philosophical impact on understanding the universe. From student observations to CERN’s advancements, Vitti explores how awe in scientific discovery evolves and endures.

The Alikhanov Brothers and Soviet Physics

This episode celebrates the Alikhanov brothers, pioneers of Soviet physics and founders of the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Physics. It recounts their groundbreaking work in high-energy physics, including discoveries at the Aragats Cosmic Ray Research Station. Their legacy, deeply tied to Soviet science and their Armenian heritage, continues to inspire future generations.