Gianluca Masi, 36, lives in Rome and works as a professional astrophysicist and science communicator at the local Planetarium, where he is Curator of Science.

After graduating with full marks in Physics - astrophysical address - at the University of Rome "La Sapienza", he earned a PhD in Astronomy at the University of Rome "Tor Vergata".

He has been and is involved in many research projects, his main scientific interests being potentially hazardous asteroids, minor bodies in our Solar System, cataclysmic variable stars and exoplanets. He made many discoveries in all these fields. As a professional, he is especially skilled in astronomical data and image processing.

Since his childhood, he developed a very strong interest in photography, especially under very low light conditions (a probable bias from the astronomical photography!).

He spent more than 15 years intensively working in his darkroom, experimenting with unusual chemical processes.

In the digital era, he tries to merge his interest in "terrestrial" and artistic photography with the most advanced image processing techniques he uses for his astronomical imaging needs. He is continously searching new expressive possibilities with modern photography.

He teached "Restoration Physics" at the Academy of Fine Arts of Frosinone, Italy.

As for science communication, he is very active as lecturer and writer on the international scene.

His setup includes two digital bodies: a 20D and 30D, using the same 8.2MP CMOS sensor.

As for lenses, he uses a Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM zoom and a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM. Both are excellent optics, providing an amazing imaging quality. For special needs, he uses two Carl Zeiss (180-f/2.8 and 80-f/2.8) lenses, as well as a Takahashi FS-102NSV flourite refractor.