Chapter 1: The Disappearance of a Prodigy

In 1938, the Italian physicist Ettore Majorana vanished without a trace, sparking speculation about his fate. Was this brilliant mind, often likened to Einstein and Fermi, a victim of suicide, or had he chosen a life of seclusion? Or perhaps he was entangled in sinister dealings with Nazi Germany?

The two first crossed paths in the fall of 1927 at Sapienza University of Rome. Enrico Fermi, only 26 years old and newly appointed to lead the physics department, encountered 21-year-old Majorana, his most gifted pupil. Eleven years later, as Fermi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Stockholm for his work on radioactive elements through neutron reactions, the search for the elusive Majorana intensified across Italy. He was last seen on March 25, 1938, aboard the ship "Tirrenia," traveling between Palermo and Naples. After that, he seemed to vanish completely.

Who was Ettore Majorana? He was born in 1906 in Catania, displaying remarkable mathematical prowess from an early age. Following in the footsteps of his family, he initially embarked on an engineering career but soon pivoted to the burgeoning field of physics. By the late 1920s, Italy was a hub of scientific advancement, with figures like Fermi, Franco Rasetti, Emilio Segrè (who later won the Nobel Prize in 1959), and others, collectively known as the "boys from Panisperna Street." Majorana was a key member of this illustrious group.

Even after over 80 years since Majorana's mysterious disappearance, Italian authorities only closed the case recently, concluding that he had fled to Venezuela under an alias from 1955 to 1959. Yet, the essential question remains unanswered: why would such a remarkable physicist, whom Fermi compared to greats like Galileo and Newton, abandon his homeland? The fate of his final writings also lingers in obscurity.

Amaldi recounted Majorana's initial meeting with Fermi, noting that their discussion revolved around Fermi's research on what is now known as the Thomas-Fermi model. Majorana, displaying his characteristic brilliance, calculated values quickly and confirmed the accuracy of Fermi's work. After defending his doctoral thesis on nuclear decay reactions with distinction on July 6, 1929, Majorana published several influential papers in atomic physics, earning him notable recognition. He was considered a pioneer in nuclear research. Despite pressure to publish his theories, he remained reticent, ultimately leading to frustration among his peers when Heisenberg's work on nuclear forces was published.

In January 1938, Majorana began lecturing at the University of Naples, leading a reclusive lifestyle. He resided in the modest "Bologna" hotel, venturing out only for classes or solitary strolls. His correspondence with Antonio Carrelli, the director of the Physics Institute, became increasingly alarming.

On March 25, while in Naples, Majorana wrote to Carrelli, stating, "I have made a decision that is irreversible. There is not a shred of selfishness in it, but I realize the inconvenience that my sudden disappearance may cause you and the students." The next day, he sent a telegram from Palermo, suggesting that his previous letters should not be taken seriously. Hours later, he expressed his intent to resign from teaching, promising to explain everything upon his return, yet he never did.

Despite Mussolini's personal interest and a reward for information leading to Majorana's whereabouts, the physicist remained untraceable. His last letter indicated a possible suicide, urging his family not to mourn excessively. Yet, no body ever surfaced.

The first video, titled "Why Einstein is a 'peerless genius' and Hawking is an 'ordinary genius'," offers insights into the intellectual legacies of these remarkable figures, contextualizing Majorana's genius within their realm.

Chapter 2: Theories and Speculations Surrounding Majorana's Fate

Various theories have emerged regarding Majorana's disappearance. Some speculate he sought refuge in a monastery, while others suggest he might have fled to Argentina or even the Third Reich. Intriguingly, sightings of a "dog man" in Sicily, who bore a striking resemblance to Majorana, fueled further speculation, though conclusive evidence remained elusive.

In 2011, a TV program sought to locate a resident of Sicily named Majorana. One caller, Francesco Fasani, described a reclusive man named Mr. Bini, who reportedly possessed a wealth of notebooks. Although initial excitement suggested a potential lead, investigators quickly realized the man was not the physicist they sought.

The second video, "Einstein Uncovered - The Genius of the Past Century (3 Minutes)," provides a concise overview of Einstein's contributions, further emphasizing the intellectual milieu in which Majorana operated.

As years passed without resolution, the mystery of Ettore Majorana remained. His legacy, marked by brilliant but unpublished theories, leaves an indelible mark on the history of physics. The final chapters of his life, shrouded in uncertainty, continue to captivate the imagination of scholars and enthusiasts alike.