The “Osservatori del Cielo” exhibition recounts some of the most important space missions that, thanks to Italy's contribution, have expanded our ability to observe and understand the Universe.
The exhibition is structured around four satellites:
- BeppoSAX (1996-2002)
- AGILE (2007-2024)
- Planck (2009-2013)
- BepiColombo (2018-ongoing)
With these “observatories” we have been able to explore the Universe's most extreme phenomena - from gamma-ray bursts to the secrets of the cosmic background radiation - and obtain new information on the structure of space-time and dark matter.
For each mission, the starting scientific questions, the satellites with their instruments and the results achieved are explained. The story is enriched by the first-hand accounts of scientists and engineers from universities, research institutions and the aerospace industry, who contributed to the success of the missions.
The exhibition is completed by display cases containing original devices made for these missions by Thales Alenia Space Italia, the National Institute of Nuclear Physics and the National Institute of Astrophysics.
The exhibition concludes with a look into the future, presenting three major space enterprises that will engage the scientific and technological community over the next twenty years:
- the ARTEMIS lunar base
- the ATHENA X-ray satellite
- the LISA gravitational wave observatory
The exhibition is aimed in particular at young people at the end of secondary school or at the start of their university career who are passionate about exact sciences, technology and space. The aim is to show how Italy plays a leading role in the international panorama of aerospace research and innovation, offering an excellent university education and concrete professional opportunities, both in the academic and industrial spheres.
‘Observatori del Cielo’ is part of the activities of Spoke 6 of the PNRR's MUSA ecosystem, dedicated to the dissemination of science, STEM disciplines and “citizen science”.
Guided tours and events will be organised throughout the opening period by the Cultural and Documentary Services Area of the University of Milan-Bicocca, at the University Library.
The exhibition will be open to the public from 16 April to 30 September 2025 at the University Library Headquarters (building U6 Agorà, second floor, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, Milan).
Admission is free and open to all, on the following days and at the following times
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
Exhibition curated by:
Mario Zannoni, “G. Occhialini” Department of Physics, University of Milan-Bicocca
Anna Frosi and Paolo Bastia, Thales Alenia Space Italia.