8 ideal locations for Milky-way photography in Malta and Gozo

When Summer approaches, Astro 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 June till October. 

What you need.

• Gear

DSLR camera - Preferably 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 software 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 Milky-way 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.