Hundreds of people, young and old, gathered at l-Ahrax tal-Mellieha last night to watch the annual celestial show of the Perseid meteor shower, commonly known as the Tears of St. Lawrence.

Many people also went to the Dingli Cliffs.

They were treated to some bright, long and colourful shooting stars, especially early in the night before light from the nearly first quarter Moon started to interfere, a spokesman for the Astronomical Society of Malta said.

Meanwhile, the society will host a public lecture next Sunday at the Greek Theatre, Gnien l-Gharusa tal-Mosta, Targa Gap. Professor Frank Ventura and Leonard Ellul Mercer, two of the most avid amateur astronomers in Malta, will tackle some of the common questions asked by budding sky watchers: How can I learn my way among the stars? What are the constellations?

The video presentation ‘Moon for all Mankind,’ a project coordinated by Malta with the participation of over 40 countries in connection with the International Year of Astronomy 2009, will also be shown.

More information is available at www.maltastro.org