The University of Malta and the Eco-Gozo directorate within the Ministry for Gozo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 23 October 2019, for the setting up of an astronomical observatory to be operated by the Institute of Space Sciences and Astronomy () in Nadur, Gozo.
A telescope equipped with specialised imaging equipment will be used to target various astronomical objects, from those that are relatively nearby such as asteroids and planets, to distant stars and galaxies.
Astronomical studies require dark sites; Gozo has a number of Dark Sky Heritage Areas, one of which, located in Nadur, will host the telescope.
A number of projects are envisaged, ranging from asteroid rotation curve derivation, to observations of variable stars and nova hunts. These projects will also serve to train students in the handling and processing of astronomical data.
ISSA and UM thank Eco-Gozo and the Ministry for Gozo for their commitment to the project.
