On May 25, 2026, the foreign member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Professor Massimo CAPACCIOLI, passed away – a prominent Italian astrophysicist, a world-class scientist whose name is inextricably linked with the development of modern research in the field of galaxy evolution and cosmology.
Massimo Capaccioli was born on April 19, 1944, in Italy. After graduating in 1969 from the Faculty of Physics at the University of Padua, his many years of scientific and pedagogical activity were associated with leading scientific centers in Italy – the University of Padua, the University of Naples Federico II, and the Capodimonte Astronomical Observatory in Naples.
Professor Capaccioli’s scientific interests encompassed the dynamics and evolution of stellar systems, the nature of elliptical galaxies, problems of dark matter, and the cosmic distance scale. His scientific output includes over 500 scientific papers and books, which have made a significant contribution to modern astrophysics and gained wide international recognition. An important area of Professor Capaccioli’s work was the creation of modern astronomical infrastructure. Under his leadership, the VST survey telescope was built – the largest telescope of its kind in the world, operating at the Paranal Observatory in Chile.
For many years, Professor Massimo Capaccioli headed the Italian Astronomical Society and was also the general president of the National Society of Sciences, Literature, and Arts in Naples.
Of particular importance to Ukrainian science was Professor Capaccioli’s long-term collaboration with Ukrainian scientists, especially with astronomers from V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. He constantly maintained close scientific contacts with Ukrainian colleagues, sincerely cared about their work during this difficult time, provided significant assistance, and promoted the development of international scientific relations. In co-authorship with Ukrainian researchers, he prepared and published a number of fundamental works, including a textbook on celestial mechanics with the world-renowned publisher Springer. A significant result of his activity was the establishment of long-term and fruitful cooperation between Ukrainian scientific institutions and the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF).
Professor Massimo Capaccioli belonged to that rare group of scientists whose scale of scientific talent was harmoniously combined with high culture, intelligence, humanity, and sincere kindness. His life became an example of dedication to science, education, and the development of international scientific cooperation.
The Presidium and the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the academic community, and Ukrainian colleagues express their sincere condolences to the family, relatives, students, and friends of the deceased. The bright memory of Professor Massimo Capaccioli will forever remain in our hearts.