Feb 10 • 00:00 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy La Repubblica

Goodbye to physicist Zichichi, the controversial genius who challenged Darwin

Antonino Zichichi, a prominent Italian physicist known for his unconventional theories and close ties to the Vatican, has passed away at 96, leaving a legacy in particle physics and scientific inquiry.

Antonino Zichichi, a renowned physicist who passed away at the age of 96, was famous for his groundbreaking work in particle physics and his controversial views on evolution. He dedicated his career to exploring complex scientific concepts, including the possibility of a 'Superworld' with 43 dimensions, and believed deeply in a logical and intelligible universe, which he felt could be understood through intelligence. Zichichi's aspirations included observing supernova explosions, which led him to construct a neutrino detector beneath the Gran Sasso mountain in Italy, contributing significantly to scientific research.

Born in Erice, Sicily, Zichichi spent much of his life between Switzerland, where he was affiliated with CERN, and Rome, where he maintained a familiar relationship with several popes, particularly John Paul II. His dual passion for science and faith shaped his worldview and his approach to physics, often leading him to challenge established scientific theories, including Darwinian evolution. His insistence on finding a divine logic behind the universe's structure earned him both accolades and skepticism from the broader scientific community.

Zichichi leaves behind a significant legacy, including one of the world's most important underground laboratories and a notable physics school in Italy. His contributions to the field will be remembered alongside his unique perspectives on science and spirituality, which sparked debates and discussions during his lifetime and will continue to influence future generations of scientists and thinkers.

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