Locations and times
When Summer approaches most photographers start planning to find dark areas with an interesting foreground to create a nightscape that is memorable.
In Malta the Milky-way is best seen and photographed between Mid June till mid October.
What you need.
- Gear
DSLR camera - Preferrably Full Frame
Lens - An aperture of 2.8 of bigger (My favourite lens is the Samyang 24mm F1.4)
Tripod - When taking long exposures of the night sky — 15–40 seconds you are going
to need a very sturdy platform to put your camera on.
Remote Shutter - Highly recommended especially when stacking.
Planning - If you are a beginner ,using special softwares like stellarium will help
you locate the milky-way easily .
Safety - Be careful out there , especially on your own. If you don't know the location well
I suggest to go scouting the area during the day and it's always good to have a buddy especially at night.
- Times and locations
Here are the best times to capture some great Milkyway photography from the Maltese Islands.
Mid June - 1.00am onwards
Mid July - 11.30pm onwards
Mid August - 10.00pm onwards
Mid September - 9.00pm onwards
Mid October - 8.00 pm onwards
LOCATIONS - Preferably South / South west.
MALTA - Ras id-Dawwara, Ta'Marija Caves, Dingli Cliffs, Migra L-Ferha, Blata tal-Melh, Qammieh, Zurrieq,
Gebel Ciantar, Tal-Hamrija Qrendi, Lapsi, and Fawwara.
GOZO - San Lawrenz, Ta Cenc cliffs, Sanap Cliffs Munxar and Mgarr ix-Xini Ghajnsielem.