2 comments so far.Astronomical observatory to be set up at Isopu Garden, Nadur
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The Ministry for Gozo and the University of Malta have invested € 160,000 for the installation of an operational astronomical observatory in Isopu Garden, Nadur.
The Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana said that as the science of astronomy is growing in importance, it is just as important that this observatory will put Gozo at the heart of developments related to this science at international level.
Professor Alfred J. Vella Rector of the University of Malta, thanked the Minister for welcoming the University’s request to install this sophisticated telescope at a site that does not suffer from light pollution.
The Astrophysicist Dr Joseph Caruana of the University of Malta explained that, “this project has three aspects: the first will serve as a research tool for astrophysics students and researchers within the University and even lead to new collaborations with other scientists abroad.
“The second will be serving an educational purpose, which through which we will be able to reach a number of students of various ages, and promote greater interest in science subjects and convey the message of how important it is to conserve dark natural areas,” he said.
The third dimension is that of cultural – Dr Caruana explained that, “astronomy is often described as the oldest science; man from the earliest times looked at the sky and asked about the universe, its origin, etc. It is a topic that remains interesting to people of all ages, and this observatory will be helping to foster a sense of curiosity about the mysteries of the universe and its beauty.”
The Professor went on to say that the telescope is equipped with specialised photographic equipment which will be used to obtain photographs and information on various objects in the universe, from those that are relatively close to home, such as asteroids and planets in the solar system, to distant stars and galaxies.
He said, astronomical studies need places away from light pollution, and Gozo has a number of places called Dark Sky Heritage Areas (see photograph above) and one of these places – at Nadur – will host this telescope.
Bottom photo: MGOZ/George Scerri
This is one of the greatest news I read. Thank you, Minister Justine and all involved. I hope that I will still be alive and will have the opportunity to look at our skies from here. So please book me in.
Well done to all involved. This is a marvellous opportunity to expand enquiring minds and also put Gozo on the map as a place that respects the importance of dark skies.
I also look forward to using this facility and discussions that will follow. Well done once again.
Peter