Margherita Hack

Margherita Hack was a pillar of the scientific community in the capital city of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and throughout the region, recognized as one of the most influential figures in Trieste, despite not being a native.

An astrophysicist and science communicator originally from Florence, Hack arrived in Trieste in 1964, when she obtained the chair of astronomy at the University of Trieste, where she continued to teach until 1992. She was also the first Italian woman to direct the Trieste Astronomical Observatory from 1964 to 1987. Thanks to her efforts, the Italian astronomical community expanded its activities in satellite usage, gaining international recognition.

Beyond her scientific contributions, Margherita Hack is remembered for her independent personality and direct approach. Perhaps less known are the aspects that made her human: her preferred means of transportation was the bicycle, and she was passionate about track and field, in which she competed at a high level in her youth, winning bronze in the high jump at the Italian Women’s Championships in 1942. Particularly fond of cats, she was a staunch animal rights advocate and had been a vegetarian since childhood.

The Margherita Hack Hall at Warehouse 28 of the Generali Convention Center is named in her honor and can accommodate up to 420 people.

The photograph of Margherita Hack from which the graphics for this article were developed is a shot by Leonardo Cendamo/Getty Images.