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From Ptolemy ’s Almagest to the Big Bounce: A History of the Evolving Understanding of the Origin of the Universe

  • Date: 2012
  • Proposal to: Ministry of Education, University and Research
  • Manager: Giovanni Montani

Project Objective

This project aims to create a multimedia text and a series of seminars and lessons dedicated to the origin and evolution of the Universe. The initiative seeks to showcase the expertise developed by the Lo Spazio nel Tempo Association and its collaborators in the academic field, making it accessible to a wide, non-specialist audience. The text, characterized by scientifically rigorous yet accessible content, will be distributed free of charge on various digital platforms. At the same time, the materials will be presented through public seminars and lesson cycles for secondary schools, offered free of charge to interested institutions.

Project Innovation

The project stands out for its interdisciplinary and accessible nature, combining scientific rigor with effective science communication. The language will be simple yet precise, capable of engaging a curious audience, even non-specialists, without compromising on conceptual depth. One of its distinctive features is the multimedia dimension: the text will not only be something to read, but also to listen to and watch, thanks to the integration of audio, video, and interactive materials. This approach aims to facilitate the understanding of complex concepts such as cosmic time, the structure of space, and the evolution of the Universe. The project also engages with philosophical and historical themes, encouraging a critical and informed view of contemporary science. The goal is to stimulate questions and reflection—especially among younger audiences—rather than provide ready-made answers.

The project will be carried out in three main phases:

  1. Development of Scientific Content and Structure of the Multimedia Text
    The content will be curated by experts from the Lo Spazio nel Tempo Association, with the support of university researchers active in the fields of cosmology and theoretical physics. The text will be designed for multi-format use (digital reading, audio, video) and organized into thematic modules.
  2. Creation of the Digital Product
    The material will be formatted as an ebook (PDF and EPUB), enriched with images, diagrams, interactive references, and audio-video contributions. In parallel, a dedicated online platform will be launched, offering free access and additional content (quizzes, in-depth resources, teacher sections).
  3. Outreach and Education
    The project will culminate in a series of public seminars and a cycle of free lessons in upper secondary schools, conducted by members of the Association and its collaborators. Participating schools will receive the educational materials in digital format free of charge.

Project Promoters

The project is conceived and coordinated by SNT Association and the initiative stems from the synergy between university researchers, secondary school teachers, and science communicators, united by a shared interest in the fundamental questions about the origin of the Universe and the desire to bring these themes to a broader audience.