The process went through theInternational Astronomical Union (IAU), the only authority in the world responsible for regulating and controlling the attribution of names to new celestial bodies (minor planets, comets and asteroids). A choice that must follow very precise rules. This is what happened for the attribution and naming of the asteroid 20049 to the artist and patron Antonio PrestiThe celestial body was previously known as 1993 FZ20, has a diameter of about 4 km and is located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
The initiative is by Mario DiMartinoastronomer and science communicator of the INAF Astrophysical Observatory of Turin and member of the Board of Directors of the GAL Hassin Foundation of Isnello, who decided to forward the proposal to the IAU and dedicate the asteroid to the artist who, thanks to his constant commitment, is flooding Sicily with Light and Beauty. «The asteroid 20049 that I dedicated to Antonio Presti – says Di Martino – has a diameter of about 4 km and orbits around the sun with a period of just over 4 and a half years. My proposal was sent to the International Astronomical Union, the world organization of astronomers, then approved by a special commission and published in the official bulletin. Antonio Presti is evidence of an unstoppable commitment in the name of art, a journey in search of beauty and spirituality: known throughout the world for having created Fiumara d’Arte in Sicily, which hosts a series of sculptures and land art installations created by international artists, and the international open-air museum “Magma” in Librino, and on Etna, “The viewpoint of the soul – The vision of the invisible”».
“When they told me I was amazed,” replies the maestro. Antonio Presti – I then found that it was indeed the official IAU bulletin on the taxonomy of small celestial bodies and it was a happy surprise of amazement to know that from today my name is part of the main asteroid belt. I hope that this asteroid dedicated to me can contribute to restoring the vision of the invisible in a contemporary society where blindness dulls the vision of beauty.. I warmly thank Gal Hassin and its president Joseph Mogavero and astrophysicists Mario DiMartino and Sabrina Masiero for giving me this universal caress of the soul.”
“I am grateful to be together with these great personalities of the GAl Hassin – continues Presti – Together we have decided to install two meteorites soon, one in the new structure at Villa Margi in Reitano, near the monumental Window on the Sea by Tano Festa, and another in Librino, where I will dedicate to the mothers, children and all the people of the neighborhood “Asteroid 20049 Antoniopresti”, so that they can be protected by the vision of the beauty of a celestial body. I hope that the people of the neighborhood, raising their eyes to the sky, can always find that nourishment of beauty upwards”.
The artist’s new monumental work Silvia Scaringella will be dedicated to the asteroid 20049. A fragment of meteorite will be installed inside it. «The recognition of the asteroid’s name to Antonio Presti enhances his great cultural and scientific work, his immense humanitarian and artistic commitment, his important and constant contribution to the new generations – comments Giuseppe Mogavero, President of the GAL Hassin Foundation – A collaboration is born between the GAL Hassin and Fiumara d’Arte that could materialize in the sharing of a sowing that can restore an artistic vision between Librino and the magical astronomical center of Isnello».
«The activities of the GAL Hassin allow us to constantly monitor the celestial vault thanks to the use of the Wide Field Telescope – declares astrophysicist Sabrina Masiero – which has the task of carrying out wide-field astronomical observations, of intercepting NEOs (Near Earth Objects), that is, those space objects potentially dangerous for the Earth, and which follows satellite and space debris tracking programs. When Antonio Presti received the asteroid recognition it reminded me of the Little Prince, who in his asteroid constantly creates beauty by restoring and regenerating the vision of the invisible.».
