17/05/2026
Beneath the pristine dark skies of Discovery Maragang Hill on 16 May 2026, participants of “Hunt for Sabah Milky Way” were treated to a truly unforgettable celestial spectacle. What began with clouds and intermittent rain transformed into a magical night when, after 10:00pm, the heavens gradually unveiled their wonders above Kundasang. Rising from the eastern horizon around 11pm was the magnificent Milky Way, arching across one of the richest and brightest regions of our galaxy.
Emerging from within this dense river of stars was the constellation Scorpius (天蝎座), famously positioned along the very heart of the Milky Way’s brightest band. Almost directly above us in our group photo, glows the striking red star Antares — the legendary “Heart of Scorpius”. Its fiery crimson light can be clearly seen shining prominently at the centre of the sky, surrounded by countless stars, nebulae, and cosmic dust clouds that make this region one of the most spectacular sights for astrophotography.
The evening began with an astrophotography seminar at 5pm, followed by an engaging sharing session by the Science Officer from Planetarium Negara at 8pm. Together with Dark Sky Malaysia, participants explored both the science and art of night sky photography.
As midnight passed, many of our stargazing teammates remained under the stars through the silent hours of the night, patiently chasing perfect frames, star fields, and cosmic light. It was a night of wonder, resilience, friendship, and awe — where the universe rewarded those willing to wait beneath its vast and timeless canopy.
