Antonella Gasperini

The AstroBID: Preserving and Sharing the Italian Astronomical Heritage

The cultural heritage of the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), made of rare and modern Books, Instruments and archival Documents, the AstroBID, marks the milestones in the history of astronomy in Italy. INAF, in collaboration with the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Bologna, has developed a project to preserve, digitize, and valorize its patrimony by creating a web portal Polvere di Stelle. It shows the cultural heritage of 12 libraries and historical archives, and 13 instrument collections, and allows both academics and a wider audience to search simultaneously the AstroBID materials.

The worldwide impact of Donati's comet on art and society in the mid-19th century

Donatis comet was one of the most spectacular astronomical events of the nineteenth century. Its extended sword-like tail was a spectacular sight that inspired several literary and artistic representations. Traces of Donatis comet are found in popular magazines, childrens books, collection cards, and household objects through the beginning of the twentieth century.