In memory of Riccardo Giacconi

The Sexten Center for Astrophysics will be dedicated to Riccardo Giacconi at a celebration event scheduled at the Haus Sexten on July 25th at 16:00-20:00.

Riccardo Giacconi received the 2002 Nobel Prize in Physics for “pioneering contributions to astrophysics, which have led to the discovery of cosmic x-ray sources.” By directing the development and operation of major space- and ground-based facilities, he has been one of the most influential figures of astrophysics over the past 50 years.

Riccardo, how he liked to be called by his colleagues and collaborators, loved the Sesto/Sexten valley and Dolomites, where he often spent his family holidays, and was an expert of the mountain trails and huts in the area.  Not coincidentally, Riccardo was in the scientific committee which started  to organise a series of international conferences at the Haus Sexten since the early  90ties. Such a tradition led to the foundation of the Sexten Center for Astrophysics (SCfA) in 2008, with Riccardo’s personal support and the help of the local authorities. It was therefore a natural decision for the SCfA board to dedicate the Center to such an extraordinary person.

At the dedication event, originally scheduled in 2020 then postponed due to the pandemic, a number of close collaborators and friends of Riccardo Giacconi will gather, either in person or via a remote connection, at the Haus Sexten to share old memories and celebrate his indelible contribution to the field. A number of short speeches will start at 16:00, followed by an address from local authorities. A pre-dinner will be offered at 19:00 in the patio outside.

The event is open to all scientists participating to the astrophysics meetings in Sexten in the same week.