Giorgio G.C. Palumbo

Italy

1939-2018

Obituary:

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Prof. Giorgio Palumbo on June 20, 2018. Giorgio was a retired Astronomy Professor at University of Bologna, Italy, where he had spent almost his entire professional life, after studying at University of Calgary, Canada, and working at the Italian National Research Council.

In Bologna, Giorgio advised dozens of students, contributed to the birth of high energy astronomy, and fostered the growth of cosmic ray physics, thus laying the seeds of modern high energy astrophysics and astroparticles projects, like the upcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array.

In 1995, Giorgio was selected as Mission Scientist of the INTEGRAL satellite for X- and gamma-ray astronomy of the European Space Agency (ESA). He was for many years an advisor for ESA and member of the ESA Astronomy Working Group, and in this capacity he was instrumental in supporting the development of the ATHENA satellite design. He also collaborated with the Italian Space Agency, in particular in 1997-2002 as a coordinator of its Space Science Department.

His eclectic and creative scientific personality, testified by more than 300 published articles and active role in outreach initiatives, informed and inspired the careers of young astronomers and provided guidance to senior colleagues and friends. His enormous breadth of knowledge, brilliant intellect, generous nature, lucid pragmatism, and infectious humour left an indelible mark in all those who interacted with him and set an example to follow. He will be very sorely missed by the international astronomical community. Our thoughts and deep condolences go to his children Jeremy and Jennifer, and their families.

Massimo Cappi
Mauro Dadina
Roberto Della Ceca
Paola Grandi
Chryssa Kouveliotou
Giovanni Pareschi
Elena Pian

Links:
http://www.media.inaf.it/2018/06/21/ciao-giorgio/
http://www.inaf.it/it/notizie-inaf/il-cordoglio-per-la-scomparsa-di-giorgio-palumbo