The few remaining weeks of summer offer a good opportunity to look at the centre of the Milky Way – our very own galaxy. This is located around 30,000 light years away and is visible by looking towards the constellation Sagittarius in the south-west direction.

Looking around mid-September (new moon on September 16) after 9pm will be best.

Have you ever seen the Milky Way, that band of light made up by countless stars within our own galaxy? If not, then you are affected by light pollution. A dark sky is key to seeing the Milky Way, so head towards the countryside for a totally different sight of theheavens.

The Mtaħleb area (l/o Rabat) and other locations in the north- west of Malta are ideal for this. Fortunately several areas of Gozo and Comino have had their dark-sky heritage protected as part of the local plan.

As stated in the IAU Unesco Starlight Declaration, an unpolluted night sky that allows the enjoyment and contemplation of the firmament is considered a fundamental socio-cultural and environmental right for all citizens.

In all areas, even in the active urban centres, we should only install unobtrusive lighting which is switched on only when required so as to reduce the wastage of energy and the amount of skyglow.

In rural areas there should be no road lighting but good use should be made of road reflectors (cats’ eyes) which work perfectly when properly installed and maintained.

The night sky continues to be an inspiration to humankind and its contemplation represents an essential element in the development of scientific thought in all civilisations,

The Milky Way is home to over 200 billion stars and when looking towards Sagittarius we are looking edgewise in the same plane of the galaxy. What you will see is similar to what is shown on the accompanying photo, shot from Mtaħleb by amateur astronomer NoelCamilleri earlier this summer.

For up-to-date information join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/maltastro.

Architect Alexei Pace is president of the Astronomical Society of Malta.

Astronomical events this month