In the Year of Italian Roots, a period dedicated to celebrating the origins and contributions of Italians in the world, it is only right to remember a figure of great scientific importance but less known: Reinaldo Augusto Carestia. While his name may not be familiar to many, his legacy is carved into the sky, with an asteroid bearing his name in recognition of his extraordinary scientific merits.

The Marche origins and the trip to Argentina

Reinaldo Carestia was born in 1933 in Argentina, the son of emigrants from the Marche region. His father, originally from Potenza Picena, emigrated to Argentina in 1926 in search of a better future. It is in this context that Reinaldo grew up, immersed in a culture of hard work and dedication, qualities that he would bring with him into his brilliant career.

Astronomical career

After graduating as a Surveyor Engineer from the National University of Cuyo in 1957, Reinaldo began working at the Félix Aguilar Astronomical Observatory (OAFA) in El Leoncito, one of the most prestigious research centers in Argentina. Here, thanks to his commitment and skills, he specialized in positional astronomy, a field that requires precision and rigor to measure and predict the movements of celestial objects.

Asteroid 3578 Carestia

Recognition for his work also came from abroad, and in 1977, NASA documented the discovery of the asteroid 3578 Carestia, a tribute to Reinaldo’s dedication and ingenuity. This asteroid, discovered on February 11, 1977, represents a tangible symbol of the impact that Reinaldo had in the field of astronomy.

The Reinaldo Augusto Carestia Astronomical Museum

Throughout his career, Carestia not only contributed significantly to the development of astronomy, but his work left an indelible mark even after his death. The Félix Aguilar Astronomical Observatory has dedicated a museum to him, a tribute that celebrates his life and his contribution to science.

Reinaldo Carestia is a shining example of how the roots of the Marche region can flourish far away, bringing innovation and knowledge to the world. Although he is known as “el Gringo” by his Argentine colleagues, his legacy is a bridge between Le Marche and Argentina, uniting two worlds through science and astronomy.

Carestia, son of a land of great beauty and culture, has shown that passion and ingenuity can lead people to touch the stars, literally and metaphorically. With his work, he helped unravel the mysteries of the sky, and his name will continue to shine in the firmament for generations to come.