Malta’s Unblinking Eyes: Seeing Beyond the Visible
Ever wondered what lies beyond the visible spectrum? In the heart of Malta, at the University of Malta’s Department of Physics, researchers are pushing the boundaries of our perception, one photon at a time.
Unveiling the Invisible
The visible spectrum, the narrow band of light our eyes can detect, is just a tiny fraction of the electromagnetic spectrum. From radio waves to gamma rays, there’s a whole world out there that we can’t see. But with the right tools, we can ‘see’ it. Enter the world of spectroscopy.
Dr. Daniel Falzon, a lecturer at the University, is at the forefront of this research. His lab, tucked away in Msida, is a treasure trove of high-tech gadgets that can detect light beyond our visible range. “We’re using spectroscopy to study everything from astrophysics to medical diagnosis,” he explains.
From Stars to Cells
In one corner of the lab, a large telescope points skyward, ready to capture the faint whispers of light from distant stars. “By studying the light these stars emit, we can understand their composition, temperature, even their age,” says Falzon. It’s like reading a star’s biography, written in light.
But the lab’s not all about the cosmos. In another room, Falzon shows off a device that can detect light in the infrared and near-infrared ranges. “This can be used in medical diagnosis,” he says. “Certain diseases, like cancer, can alter the way cells absorb and emit light. By detecting these changes, we can potentially diagnose diseases earlier.”
Unblinking Eyes on Malta’s Heritage
Closer to home, spectroscopy is helping preserve Malta’s rich heritage. The University’s team has been using it to study ancient art and architecture. “We can analyze the pigments used in paintings, or the composition of stones in historic buildings,” says Falzon. “This helps us understand the techniques used by our ancestors, and how to preserve these artifacts for future generations.”
One such project involved studying the famous ‘Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’ painting in St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. “We found that the artist, Mattia Preti, used a unique blend of pigments,” says Falzon. “This helps us understand his technique, and how to restore the painting if needed.”
So, the next time you walk past the Co-Cathedral, remember, you’re not just looking at a masterpiece. You’re looking at a testament to human ingenuity, visible only to those with the right tools.
