A brilliant physicist with an enigmatic disappearance
Ettore Majorana, born in Catania in 1906, was one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists of the 20th century. Despite his short career, he left an indelible mark on the world of science, with fundamental contributions to nuclear physics and quantum mechanics. His mysterious disappearance in 1938 fuelled numerous hypotheses and conjectures, contributing to the creation of an aura of legend around his figure.
A prodigious mind: the life and scientific activity of Ettore Majorana
From a young age, Majorana showed uncommon intelligence and a passion for mathematics and physics. After graduating in engineering in 1929 with a thesis on the quantum theory of the atom, he devoted himself to theoretical physics, joining the group of young scientists led by Enrico Fermi at the Institute of Physics in Rome, known as the ‘ boys from Via Panisperna’.
In this challenging and competitive environment, Majorana distinguished himself through his originality and ability to tackle complex problems with innovative approaches. His brilliant and intuitive mind allowed him to grasp deep connections between seemingly different phenomena, often anticipating the discoveries of his colleagues.
Among his most important contributions are:
- The theory of nuclear forces: in 1933, Majorana proposed a model of interaction between protons and neutrons based on exchange forces, anticipating Yukawa’s model by a few years. This theory, although not fully developed, demonstrated his profound insight into the nature of nuclear forces.
- Majorana ‘s particle theory: In 1937, Majorana published a paper in which he hypothesised the existence of particles that are their own antiparticles, today known as Majorana fermions. This theory, initially ignored by the scientific community, has gained increasing importance in recent decades, with significant implications for particle physics and cosmology.
- Other contributions: Majorana also worked on other topics in theoretical physics, such as atom theory, spectroscopy, statistical physics and the theory of relativity. His works, although often fragmentary and incomplete, testify to his genius and his ability to range over different fields of science.
The link with Palermo: a hometown and a place of training
Although born in Catania, Majorana spent most of his childhood and adolescence in Palermo, where his family had moved when he was only nine years old. Here he attended the prestigious ‘Garibaldi’ classical high school and began to cultivate his passion for science, under the guidance of enlightened teachers and equally brilliant fellow students.
The bond with Palermo remained strong even after he moved to Rome for his university studies. The Sicilian city was often the destination of his visits and stays, during which Majorana could reconnect with family , friends and the places of his youth.
The mysterious disappearance: an unsolved enigma
In March 1938 , Ettore Majorana mysteriously disappeared during a boat trip from Palermo to Naples. The circumstances of his disappearance remain shrouded in mystery to this day, fuelling numerous hypotheses and conjectures that have contributed to creating an aura of legend around his figure.
Among the most accredited hypotheses:
- Suicide: Some believe that Ettore Majorana, tormented by a deep existential and professional crisis, decided to take his own life by throwing himself into the sea. This hypothesis is supported by some letters written by Majorana shortly before his disappearance, in which he expressed a sense of disillusionment and weariness.
- The voluntary escape: Others speculate that Ettore Majorana, wishing to get away from academia and the pressure of fame, chose to start a new life under a false name, perhaps in a convent or in an isolated place. This hypothesis is supported by some testimonies that would have seen him seen in Argentina or Venezuela in the years following his disappearance.
- kidnapping or murder: some theories, less probable but still suggestive, suggest that Majorana may have been abducted or killed for political reasons or related to his scientific discoveries. This hypothesis is based on his alleged knowledge of sensitive information relating to the construction of the atomic bomb.
A scientific and human legacy
Despite his untimely and mysterious death, Ettore Majorana left a scientific and human legacy of great value. His innovative and far-sighted theories opened up new avenues for research in physics, inspiring generations of scientists to explore the mysteries of the universe. His enigmatic and fascinating figure continues to arouse interest and curiosity, fuelling debate about his life and demise.
Majorana’s impact on the world of physics is undeniable. His theory of nuclear forces laid the foundations for understanding the interactions between particles within the atomic nucleus, paving the way for the development of nuclear physics and its applications, both in civil and military fields. His theory of Majorana particles, on the other hand, has had a more recent but equally significant impact, stimulating the search for new particles and opening up new perspectives for understanding dark matter and the evolution of the universe.
But Majorana’s legacy goes beyond his scientific discoveries. His figure, complex and elusive, embodies the fascination of genius and the mystery of human existence. His disappearance, shrouded in silence, has fuelled myths and legends, transforming him into an almost romantic character, a symbol of the eternal quest for knowledge and freedom.
The story of Ettore Majorana is an example of how genius and mystery can intertwine, leaving an indelible mark on the history of science and collective memory. His name will forever be linked to his brilliant insights and his enigmatic disappearance, an enigma that continues to fascinate and question the entire world.