Flarestar Observatory, situated on the island of Malta, is registered with the International Astronomical Union Minor Planet Center under Observatory Code 171. The facility is privately owned and operated, with a principal mandate focused on high-precision CCD photometry of variable stars and minor planets. Its scientific programme is oriented toward the production of peer-reviewed research and the generation of time-resolved photometric datasets of archival value. Core research domains include rotational light-curve analysis of minor planets, investigations of cataclysmic variable systems, gravitational microlensing events, and exoplanet transit photometry. The majority of observational campaigns are conducted within an international framework, integrating coordinated time-series data from both professional and advanced independent observatories. The observatory is directed and managed by||Stephen|M.||Brincat|.
Founded in 1986, the observatory began with modest equipment housed in a small structure. Over the years, significant upgrades have been implemented to enhance its capabilities. In 2000, the observatory conducted an asteroid photometric collaboration with an observatory in the United States (MPC Code: 713), addressing the challenges posed by the Earth's rotational period. This pioneering effort marked the first instance of a coordinated photometric study across international observatories, a practice that has now become routine to many asteroid studies. Flarestar observatory has also contributed to the scientific community through several research publications.
The observatory's primary instrument is a robotic 0.25-meter aperture f/6.3 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (SCT), housed within an automated run-off roof observatory. The observatory’s automation architecture enables unattended time-series acquisition, ensuring consistent cadence and minimizing systematic errors associated with manual intervention. For more detailed information regarding the observatory's equipment, please refer to the Observatory Page.
Founded in 1986, the observatory began with modest equipment housed in a small structure. Over the years, significant upgrades have been implemented to enhance its capabilities. In 2000, the observatory conducted an asteroid photometric collaboration with an observatory in the United States (MPC Code: 713), addressing the challenges posed by the Earth's rotational period. This pioneering effort marked the first instance of a coordinated photometric study across international observatories, a practice that has now become routine to many asteroid studies. Flarestar observatory has also contributed to the scientific community through several research publications.
The observatory's primary instrument is a robotic 0.25-meter aperture f/6.3 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (SCT), housed within an automated run-off roof observatory. The observatory’s automation architecture enables unattended time-series acquisition, ensuring consistent cadence and minimizing systematic errors associated with manual intervention. For more detailed information regarding the observatory's equipment, please refer to the Observatory Page.
Recent authored and co-authored publications
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Poster Papers & Infographics
Flarestar's Light Pollution Survey |
Flarestar's Weather |
This polar light pollution map shows the sky above Flarestar Observatory, with the zenith at the center and the edge 20° above the horizon. Red dots indicate SQM measurements.
Despite notable pollution near the southeastern horizon, the observatory continues to gather valuable data. [Copyright - Flarestar Observatory, 2024]. |
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