Rare Solar Halo Spotted in Malta’s Skies

Nov 13 2024

Today, many people across Malta have caught sight of a stunning optical phenomenon: a halo around the sun. This rare sight, a luminous ring encircling the sun, has left onlookers captivated. But what causes this beautiful display?

Sun halos occur due to tiny ice crystals in the atmosphere, usually from thin, high-altitude cirrus clouds. When sunlight passes through these hexagonal ice crystals, it refracts, or bends, at a precise angle, typically 22 degrees. This bending effect forms the characteristic ring we see in the sky. The halo effect can also happen around the moon, although it is more noticeable during the day around the sun.

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While this phenomenon is safe to observe briefly, it’s essential to avoid staring directly at the sun to protect your eyes from UV damage. If you’re eager to capture the moment, snap a quick photo and enjoy it on your phone. This lets you admire the halo safely and share it with friends and family.

Such atmospheric phenomena remind us of nature’s wonders, inspiring curiosity about the skies. Keep an eye out – but always remember to protect your vision!

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Education Shadow Minister Invites MCAST Students To Parliament

Nov 13 2024

This Friday, November 15, at 11:30 AM, a meeting for MCAST engineering students and concerned stakeholders will be held at the Maltese Parliament, hosted by Hon. Justin Schembri, Shadow Minister for Education and Vocational Training.

A statement issued by the students explains that this urgent gathering aims to address the escalating crisis caused by the ongoing conflict between MCAST and the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT), which has left students without any assignments as the first semester nears its end.

This situation has raised fears of a compromised academic year, with potential outcomes such as a sudden pile-up of assignments, single-exam grading, or administrative passes—all of which could jeopardise the validity of MCAST degrees and students’ eligibility for professional warrants.

To bring greater attention to the issue, a parliamentary petition (#49) has been initiated, calling for immediate action to resolve the deadlock. This Friday’s meeting provides students an opportunity to express their concerns directly and advocate for fair assessment methods and degree security.

Students, media representatives, and public supporters are encouraged to attend the meeting or sign the petition to ensure the integrity of MCAST engineering degrees and safeguard students’ future prospects in their respective careers.

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Maltese OSCE Chairperson Visits Montenegro and North Macedonia

Nov 13 2024

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Ian Borg, who chairs the 2024 Maltese OSCE Chairpersonship, visited Montenegro and North Macedonia this week. The four-day tour, which started in Bosnia and Herzegovina, will conclude with meetings in Albania on Wednesday.

On Tuesday morning, in Montenegro’s capital Podgorica, Borg met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović to discuss Montenegro’s OSCE collaboration. Borg praised the country’s progress on democratic reforms, particularly in strengthening institutions and rule of law, while reaffirming the OSCE’s support.

The delegation also addressed media freedom and journalist safety in Montenegro, condemning a recent attack on a local journalist and commending the swift action taken by authorities.

In the afternoon, Borg traveled to Skopje, North Macedonia, where he met with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski. Borg reflected on the ongoing challenges, including the war in Ukraine, stressing the OSCE’s role in maintaining peace and stability. The meeting also involved discussions with the 2025 OSCE Chairperson, Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, ahead of next month’s Ministerial Council in Malta.

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Malta Records 124 Cruise Liner Calls in 2024, Passenger Traffic Up 4.1%

Nov 13 2024

Malta’s cruise liner industry continued to experience growth in 2024, with 124 calls recorded during the third quarter, marking a 16-call increase compared to the same period in 2023. Transit passengers made up the majority of traffic, totalling 271,268, or 84.3 percent, though the average number of passengers per vessel fell to 2,595, a decrease of 629 from the previous year.

Passengers from EU countries represented 44.7% of total traffic, with Italy and Germany being the top markets, at 17.4% and 8.5%, respectively. Non-EU passengers totalled 178,124, with the UK and US accounting for 36.8% and 36.2%.

More female passengers were recorded (53.4%), and the largest age group was 40-59 years (32.7%), followed by 60-79 years (30.8%).

In total, 672,276 passengers visited Malta during the first three quarters of 2024, a 4.1% increase from last year. Despite a 7.6% drop in third-quarter traffic, there was a rise in calls, with 271 recorded for the year so far, 44 more than in 2023.

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