Annibale de Gasparis was engaged in astronomical observations at the prestigious Astronomical Observatory of Capodimonte in Naples when he successfully discovered the asteroid Massalia. Located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, Massalia is one of the largest asteroids and represents a significant piece of the solar system's puzzle. De Gasparis’s identification of this celestial body not only added to the catalog of known asteroids but also marked a milestone in the evolving field of astronomy during the mid-19th century.

The discovery of asteroids during this period offered insights into the formation and evolution of the solar system. Astronomers were increasingly interested in these smaller celestial bodies, which were thought to be remnants from the early solar system. De Gasparis's work at Capodimonte, alongside other contemporary astronomers, played a crucial role in expanding the astronomical community's knowledge of these objects and their characteristics, leading to the development of new observational techniques and methodologies.

Massalia itself, named after the ancient Greek colony of Massalia (now Marseille), is approximately 50 kilometers in diameter and has a unique orbit that brings it into focus for both amateur and professional astronomers. The discovery underscores the vibrant scientific inquiry of the time, as astronomers began employing the observatories to unravel more about the cosmos and to comprehend the significance of asteroids in understanding Earth's origins and the larger context of the solar system's history.