This is a high-resolution, monochrome panchromatic satellite image from IRS-1C showing the northern section of the Maltese Archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea on 26 October 1998. The southeastern tip of Gozo, Malta's second-largest island, is visible at the top left, displaying rugged topography and rural fields.

Comino is the small, distinct island sitting directly in the middle of the Fliegu Channel, and the tiny speck immediately to its left is the uninhabited islet of Cominotto. Extending upward toward Comino is the northernmost peninsula of the main island of Malta. Its heavily indented coastline features prominent inlets, such as Mellieħa Bay, which appears as the deep, dark inlet cutting into the northwest coast.

The stark black areas represent the deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea, which absorb light across all visible wavelengths. Conversely, the highly reflective white and light-grey speckled patterns over the land indicate limestone rock surfaces, sparse vegetation, road networks, and building developments.