Grandmaster de Rohan's astronomical observatory (1783-1789)

Abstract

Ventura writes about the astronomical observatory which existed in Malta during the late 18th century prior to its fiery destruction in 1789. The cause of its demise is either lightning or, to a more controversial extent, Dangos' (a French astronomer) experiments with phosphorous. The latter possibility was probably insinuated as a slight towards Dangos who, in the coming years, was suggested to have forged observations during his time working at the observatory. Plans to construct a new observatory in Malta were decreed by Napoleon yet, due to the brief nature of the French occupation, they never materialised.