Dissemination and communication of astronomy in Naples: from the Enlightenment to social media

Abstract

The dissemination of scientific knowledge is a usual practice for Neapolitan astronomers, having roots in the times when Naples did not yet have an Observatory. That tradition continues today to animate the initiative of the Capodimonte Observatory in disseminating astronomical culture to an ever wider audience of curious and passionate about the science of the cosmos. Among the many scientists who in Naples have deeply contributed to making astronomical knowledge accessible to all, Ernesto Capocci was undoubtedly the main protagonist of literary initiatives, including a science fiction novel, valid for the education and dissemination of astronomy. This article examines the role of Neapolitan astronomers in the educational outreach campaign of astronomical knowledge and the different modes of communication they used, from the Enlightenment to the contemporary age, to spread science in society.