Neutrinos, Positrons, and Missed Encounters: The Scientific Interrelations of Majorana, Occhialini, and Schenberg

Abstract

This paper explores the intertwined scientific legacies of Ettore Majorana, Giuseppe Occhialini, and Mário Schenberg, three prominent physicists who made significant contributions to the fields of particle physics and astrophysics. By analyzing historical records, personal accounts, and scientific collaborations, the study highlights the roles these figures played in the discovery of the positron, the theoretical development of neutrinos, and the study of cosmic rays. Particular attention is given to the missed encounter between Schenberg and Majorana during Occhialini and Schenberg’s 1938 journey to Italy. The paper also examines the scientific connections among Majorana’s work on neutrinos, Occhialini’s experimental confirmation of Dirac’s predictions, and Schenberg’s contributions to stellar processes. This study aims to provide a detailed perspective on this moment in the history of science.

Keywords

• Majorana disappearance 1938
• Occhialini-Majorana encounter
• Occhialini positron discovery
• Majorana neutrino theory
• URCA process