University Student Organisations Urge ERA to Reverse Proposal Allowing Artificial Lighting at Dwejra Dark Sky Heritage Area
The Science Students’ Society (S-Cubed), together with a number of university student organisations, expresses its deep concern regarding the proposed legal notice by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) that would permit artificial lighting at the Dwejra Dark Sky Heritage Area until midnight.
As science students who actively utilise Dwejra for observational studies and final-year research projects, we want to make it clear to ERA that allowing artificial lighting until midnight would severely undermine the very purpose of designating this site as a Dark Sky Heritage Area.
Dwejra is one of the very last remaining dark-sky locations on the Maltese Islands, and the best one left. Across Malta and Gozo, the steady proliferation of light pollution has dramatically reduced access to naturally dark night skies. For students of physics, astronomy, environmental science, ecology, and related disciplines, this site is not simply scenic, it is scientifically invaluable.
Dwejra opens a window to the universe that is no longer visible from the vast majority of the Islands. The Milky Way, faint celestial bodies, meteor activity, and deep-sky observations are only possible in conditions of true darkness. Even low-level, time-limited artificial lighting disrupts dark adaptation, affects instrument sensitivity, and compromises data integrity.
Final-year projects at the University often require astrophotography and long-exposure imaging, sky quality measurements, light pollution impact assessments, ecological studies on nocturnal species, and environmental monitoring requiring stable dark conditions.
Artificial lighting until midnight would significantly hamper these studies. Permitting lighting up to midnight effectively removes a significant observation window and reduces the site’s scientific utility. For many projects, even intermittent or peripheral lighting can invalidate data collection sessions.
A Dark Sky Heritage designation should guarantee meaningful protection. Allowing routine artificial illumination contradicts the very principle of dark-sky conservation. Such a move risks setting a precedent that weakens environmental protections at a time when Malta’s night skies are already under severe pressure.
Dwejra is not only an environmental and cultural treasure, it is an educational asset. The site supports the development of future scientists, researchers, and environmental professionals.
S-Cubed firmly urges the Environment and Resources Authority to reconsider and reverse the proposed legal notice permitting artificial lighting at Dwejra until midnight. We call for a complete prohibition of artificial lighting within the Dark Sky Heritage Area from sunset to sunrise; stronger safeguards to preserve true night-sky conditions; and meaningful consultation with student researchers and scientific stakeholders.
The night sky is not a luxury. For students and researchers, it is a laboratory. Protecting Dwejra means protecting scientific opportunity, environmental integrity, and Malta’s connection to the cosmos.
The proposed regulations threaten our studies and undermine the future of student-led scientific research in Malta. Our message is clear: do not ruin our educational prospects.
Science Students’ Society (S-Cubed)
Endorsed by:
Classics and Archaeology Students’ Association (CASA)
Earth Systems Association (ESA)
Għaqda tal-Malti - Università (GħMU)
Gozo University Group (GUG)
Information Communication Technology Students’ Association (ICTSA)
Medical Biochemistry Students' Association (MBSA)
Malta Pharmaceutical Students Association (MPSA)
Malta University Historical Society (MUHS)
University Engineering Student Association (UESA)
UM Rocketry
2nd March 2026
As science students who actively utilise Dwejra for observational studies and final-year research projects, we want to make it clear to ERA that allowing artificial lighting until midnight would severely undermine the very purpose of designating this site as a Dark Sky Heritage Area.
Dwejra is one of the very last remaining dark-sky locations on the Maltese Islands, and the best one left. Across Malta and Gozo, the steady proliferation of light pollution has dramatically reduced access to naturally dark night skies. For students of physics, astronomy, environmental science, ecology, and related disciplines, this site is not simply scenic, it is scientifically invaluable.
Dwejra opens a window to the universe that is no longer visible from the vast majority of the Islands. The Milky Way, faint celestial bodies, meteor activity, and deep-sky observations are only possible in conditions of true darkness. Even low-level, time-limited artificial lighting disrupts dark adaptation, affects instrument sensitivity, and compromises data integrity.
Final-year projects at the University often require astrophotography and long-exposure imaging, sky quality measurements, light pollution impact assessments, ecological studies on nocturnal species, and environmental monitoring requiring stable dark conditions.
Artificial lighting until midnight would significantly hamper these studies. Permitting lighting up to midnight effectively removes a significant observation window and reduces the site’s scientific utility. For many projects, even intermittent or peripheral lighting can invalidate data collection sessions.
A Dark Sky Heritage designation should guarantee meaningful protection. Allowing routine artificial illumination contradicts the very principle of dark-sky conservation. Such a move risks setting a precedent that weakens environmental protections at a time when Malta’s night skies are already under severe pressure.
Dwejra is not only an environmental and cultural treasure, it is an educational asset. The site supports the development of future scientists, researchers, and environmental professionals.
S-Cubed firmly urges the Environment and Resources Authority to reconsider and reverse the proposed legal notice permitting artificial lighting at Dwejra until midnight. We call for a complete prohibition of artificial lighting within the Dark Sky Heritage Area from sunset to sunrise; stronger safeguards to preserve true night-sky conditions; and meaningful consultation with student researchers and scientific stakeholders.
The night sky is not a luxury. For students and researchers, it is a laboratory. Protecting Dwejra means protecting scientific opportunity, environmental integrity, and Malta’s connection to the cosmos.
The proposed regulations threaten our studies and undermine the future of student-led scientific research in Malta. Our message is clear: do not ruin our educational prospects.
Science Students’ Society (S-Cubed)
Endorsed by:
Classics and Archaeology Students’ Association (CASA)
Earth Systems Association (ESA)
Għaqda tal-Malti - Università (GħMU)
Gozo University Group (GUG)
Information Communication Technology Students’ Association (ICTSA)
Medical Biochemistry Students' Association (MBSA)
Malta Pharmaceutical Students Association (MPSA)
Malta University Historical Society (MUHS)
University Engineering Student Association (UESA)
UM Rocketry
2nd March 2026