The Astronomical Society of Malta held an observation session of the first quarter moon and the planet Jupiter, among other celestial objects. A number of telescopes  were set up for public-use in the car-park behind the St Joseph Band Club. The session started at 8.30pm and was well attended by the general public. A lively discussion about the features of our solar system and the mystery of space also followed.

Joseph Caruana from Ghajnsielem who is also an active member of the Astronomical Society said that craters and mountain ranges are best observed at this time since sunlight reaching the moon at 90 degrees to our line of sight provides excellent contrast as compared to a full moon when the sun and the moon are exactly opposite and a flat image of the moon is seen. Little detail can be observed in this case because no shadows are cast.

The planet Jupiter is the second brightest object in night sky besides the planet Venus shining at sunset in the west. At the moment, Jupiter is the constellation of Scorpius looking south. Through a telescope, the Galilean moons orbiting this planet look like tiny jewels at times being eclipsed by the planet itself.

Information about the Astronomical Society of Malta and the activities organised can be found at the www.maltastro.org.