The article discusses how Antonino Zichichi's idea to utilize the Gran Sasso massif for scientific studies led to the establishment of the world's most prominent underground laboratory, despite significant political challenges.
The article recounts the visionary idea of Antonino Zichichi to establish a scientific laboratory under the Gran Sasso massif, first proposed in 1979. Zichichi realized that the 1,400 meters of rock above the National Laboratories of Gran Sasso could shield experiments from cosmic rays—high energy particles originating from space—which hinder the detection of delicate scientific phenomena. By utilizing the subterranean space, researchers can conduct experiments on elusive particles like neutrinos and explore enigmatic concepts like dark matter.
Zichichi's achievement was not merely a scientific endeavor but also a significant political challenge. As president of the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (Infn) in 1979, he faced the difficult task of persuading Italian lawmakers to support the excavation of a laboratory beneath the mountain. His eloquence and determination ultimately led him to convince Amintore Fanfani, the president of the Senate and a member of the Christian Democracy party, to expedite the establishment of the Commission on Public Works, which was crucial for moving the project forward.
By 1982, construction began, marking the start of what would become the most important scientific underground laboratory globally. Today, the Gran Sasso facility stands as a testament to Zichichi's foresight and the collaborative efforts required to blend science with political will, showcasing how innovation can triumph over obstacles in pursuit of knowledge.
