Space-time and gravitational waves. However, at the basis of everything there is a question: at what stage is the candidacy of the Einstein Telescope of SOS Enattos? The conference "From Albert Einstein to Einstein Telescope", the large European research facility of SOS Enattos, for the study of gravitational waves, proposed effective answers. At the end of the meeting, moderated by Videolina journalist Stefano Birocchi, the permanent Space-Time room of the Planetarium was inaugurated , originally created for international exhibitions such as that of the Maxxi in Rome, by the National Institute of Astrophysics.
It will allow, under the direction of Manuel Floris, to make known the effects of Albert Einstein's discovery in 1916. A debate with the protagonists of a compelling journey from a scientific point of view, which filled the "Giorgio Pisano" room of L'Unione Sardinian of curious and passionate people. The hope is that the planning phase can be completed by 2026 : the "Two L" plan (the large-scale replica of existing laboratories) to capture electromagnetic waves currently has two opponents. The main one is Holland, because Germany is aiming for something else, perhaps to equip itself with an astrophysics center.
The video (by Mariangela Lampis):
The publisher - The choice of L'Unione Sarda is not accidental. The publisher Sergio Zuncheddu, introducing the works, explained the reasons for the permanent installation : «We decided to watch a wonderful show, to raise our eyes to the sky. Thirteen years ago we embraced the Planetarium project to immerse ourselves in a beauty that we often don't realize", said Zuncheddu. «I am convinced that science extends life: the curiosity of being in the world and being part of discoveries encourages us to stay on this Earth, to see what will be discovered again. For example, what are matter and dark energy, or the Seti program, to understand if there is other life in the Universe. The line is to offer users of our media a scientific dissemination method that is understandable to all."
The debate – Antonio Zoccoli, president of the National Institute of Nuclear Physics, connected remotely, thanked L'Unione Sarda : «Enlightened newspaper, because creating a space where space-time can be simulated is not for everyone. We are talking about gravitational waves, which allow us to discover the ripples of space-time and study the Universe from different aspects. The Einstein Telescope is a challenge, but we have all it takes to win with cohesive action by the University, Government and all the actors capable of bringing the telescope to Lula ." And if Luciano Colombo , vice-rector for research, recalled that «the University of Cagliari is involved both in terms of infrastructure and laboratories», Carlo Giunchi , of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, focused on the Faber project, in course in the Sos Enattos mine: «You need to know the meaning and quality of the rocks», he explained. «The infrastructure will be several kilometers long and we will have to have seismic coverage of the entire island». Also at work studying gravitational waves is Federica Govoni , director of the astronomical observatory of Cagliari: «We are here for this great undertaking». Concept reiterated by Marica Branchesi , professor of Astrophysics at the Gran Sasso Science Institute and president of the Scientific Council of the National Institute of Astrophysics, key figure in the study of the so-called multi-messenger physics: «In addition to gravitational waves, we try to capture all the light and particles », he argued in a Skype connection. «The Einstein telescope observes and is able to listen to the ripples of space-time: it reconstructs the properties of the astrophysical reference from the signals. We have explored the area where the infrastructure will be built, starting with the configuration of the "Two Ls", whose risks we are also trying to study."
The prospects - The national manager of the Einstein Telescope Domenico D'Urso guarantees: «Lula's telescope will see further, we go underground to hear low frequency gravitational waves. Sardinia has an incomparable cosmic silence, especially in the SOS Enattos area. The Sardinian hypothesis would therefore justify an enormous investment: there are no major human activities, today's poverty can be the engine of great development. We are trying to create caves where there is no water and it seems that, even from this point of view, we can rest assured. Compared to the sites identified in the Netherlands and Germany, there is a more complicated geology: they dream of the noise measured at Sos Enattos". Closure on the times: «The real competitor is the Dutch one», clarified Alessandro Cardini , member of the team proposing the candidacy of SOS Enattos. «The Germans have a nice site, but the priority is to equip themselves with an astrophysics center. Thanks to Pnrr funds we will complete the preliminary studies. There will be nominations by 2026: the verdict will come when they are put on the table." There could also be a division of the cake: «The Government is working hard», commented Cardini. «There is the possibility of building a part of the Einstein Telescope in the Netherlands and another on the island: if I have to say so, that's fine with us».