The head of the European planetary science network discusses new frontiers in Solar System exploration, planetary defence and the importance of supporting young researchers on Buongiorno Regione.
Stavro Ivanovski, Senior Researcher at INAF–Trieste Astronomical Observatory and President of Europlanet, appeared on Buongiorno Regione, the TGR Friuli Venezia Giulia regional news programme on Rai 3, on 15 October 2026. The segment focused on his new role leading the European planetary science network and on the prospects for a field addressing some of today’s major scientific questions: how the Solar System formed, what conditions make life possible, and how to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts.
A mathematician and planetary scientist, Ivanovski is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Trieste. His appointment as President of Europlanet, announced in September during the annual congress in The Hague, will see him lead the organisation until 2030. This international role brings the expertise and experience developed at INAF–Trieste Astronomical Observatory to the heart of the European planetary science community. (Media INAF)
Europlanet, whose members include INAF, connects researchers, institutions, space industry professionals, science communicators and amateur astronomers. Speaking on TGR, Ivanovski highlighted the value of this community in sharing knowledge, fostering collaborations and supporting young people in their scientific careers. Its annual congress is a key meeting point for presenting results and developing new projects.
Research opportunities abound. From asteroid exploration and the study of interstellar comets to the return to the Moon and missions to Jupiter’s icy moons, Solar System research offers increasingly advanced tools for investigating the origins of life and its possible presence beyond Earth.
One of the major events of the coming years will be the close approach of Apophis. On 13 April 2029, the asteroid will pass approximately 32,000 kilometres above Earth’s surface, providing an exceptional opportunity to observe how our planet’s gravity affects a small celestial body. The flyby will be safe: observations have ruled out an impact by Apophis for at least the next hundred years. (ESA)
Understanding asteroids also underpins planetary defence. Ivanovski recalled the achievement of NASA’s DART mission, which deliberately struck Dimorphos, the small moon of the asteroid Didymos, in 2022. The experiment shortened Dimorphos’s orbital period around the larger body by approximately 33 minutes, demonstrating that a controlled impact can alter an asteroid’s orbit. LICIACube, the Italian Space Agency’s small satellite, helped document the effects of the impact. (NASA)
The programme also explored the relationship between science and art, two strands of Ivanovski’s background, which includes theatre training in Bulgaria. In his experience, curiosity, creativity and a willingness to explore what is not yet understood are common to both scientific research and artistic practice.
He brings this approach to his university teaching as well. Rapid access to information cannot replace the process of developing understanding: time, motivation and perseverance are essential. His message is particularly relevant to young people, encouraging them to nurture their questions and gradually build the tools they need to seek answers.
