SCHIAPARELLI, GIOVANNI VIRGINIO. – Astronomer, born in Savigliano (province of Cuneo) on 14 March 1835, died in Milan on 4 July 1910.
He received his first instruction in astronomy at Savigliano from the theologian Paolo Dovo, which he further perfected at the University of Turin, in Berlin (1857–59), and at the Pulkovo Observatory (1859–60). In 1860 he was appointed second astronomer at Brera and in 1862 its director. He did not leave the observatory until 1900, continuing his research and studies until his death. A distinguished astronomer of rare learning, his name is linked to pioneering and singular studies on the planet Mars, on the connection between shooting stars and comets, on double stars, on the history of the planetary system among the ancients, and more; he knew how to elevate his mind from the wonders of the stars to the greatness of their Creator. He left only notes and indications for a critical history of astronomy, published by his son Attilio and by L. Gabba in: G. S., Scritti sulla storia dell'astronomia antica, III (Bologna 1927).